Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
15:08
Probing and Mapping Electrode Surfaces in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Published on: September 20, 2012
Reconstruction of Cu(100) electrode surfaces during hydrogen evolution
Hisayoshi Matsushima1, Andriy Taranovskyy, Christian Haak
1Institut für Experimentelle und Angewandte Physik, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|July 11, 2009
Summary
Electrochemical hydrogen evolution on copper electrodes causes a new surface reconstruction. This novel phase significantly impacts the reaction rates and involves atom displacement and lattice expansion.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Surface Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- The electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a key process for sustainable energy.
- Understanding electrode surface dynamics is crucial for optimizing HER efficiency.
- Copper (Cu) is a promising catalyst for HER, but its surface behavior requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the surface dynamics of (100)-oriented copper electrodes during electrochemical hydrogen evolution.
- To identify and characterize any novel surface reconstructions induced by the HER.
- To determine the influence of these reconstructions on the HER rates.
Main Methods:
- In situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was employed to visualize surface changes in real-time.
- Operando electrochemical measurements were performed concurrently with STM.
- (100)-oriented copper single crystals were used as model electrodes.
Main Results:
- A novel surface reconstruction was observed on the (100) Cu surface during HER.
- This reconstruction initiates with lateral displacements of surface Cu atoms, forming stripe-like structures.
- The surface lattice subsequently expands along the direction of these stripes, indicating a significant structural change.
Conclusions:
- Electrochemical hydrogen evolution induces a unique surface reconstruction on (100) copper electrodes.
- This reconstruction fundamentally alters the surface structure and is directly linked to changes in HER activity.
- Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the catalytic implications of this reconstructed phase.
Related Concept Videos
01:08Electrodeposition
Electrodeposition is a technique used to separate an analyte from interferents by electrochemical processes. Here, the analyte is a metal ion that can be deposited on an electrode immersed in the sample solution. The electrochemical setup consists of an anode and a cathode. When an electric current is applied to the setup, oxidation occurs at the anode. At the cathode, which consists of a large metal surface, metal ions undergo reduction and deposit onto the surface.
Electrodeposition can...
Electrodeposition can...
01:24Types of Reversible Electrodes
For electrode reversibility to be maintained, all the reactants and products involved in the half-reaction must be present at the electrode. There are several types of reversible electrodes (half-cells).In metal-metal-ion electrodes, a metal balances electrochemically with a solution of its own ions. Examples are Cu2+|Cu and Zn2+|Zn. Metals that react with the solvent, like group 1 and most group 2 metals, which react with water, and zinc, which reacts with aqueous acidic solutions, cannot be...
01:06Interfacial Electrochemical Methods: Overview
Interfacial electrochemical methods focus on the phenomena occurring at the boundary between an electrode and a solution, as opposed to bulk methods that concentrate on the solution's overall properties. These interfacial methods are classified as either static or dynamic based on the presence of a nonzero current in the electrochemical cell and the consistency of analyte concentrations. Static methods, such as potentiometry, measure the cell's potential without any significant current passing...
01:17Electrodes: Overview
Electrochemical measurements are conducted in an electrochemical cell composed of various components that control and measure the current and potential. One fundamental component is electrodes, conductive materials that enable electron transfer reactions at their surfaces.
There are two main types of electrodes in electrochemical cells. The first type, known as the working or indicator electrode, has a potential that is sensitive to the analyte's concentration and reacts to changes in the...
There are two main types of electrodes in electrochemical cells. The first type, known as the working or indicator electrode, has a potential that is sensitive to the analyte's concentration and reacts to changes in the...