Live Imaging of Silver Nanostructures Electrochemically Dissolving at Open-Circuit Potential

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Electrode and electrocatalyst stability is crucial for energy conversion systems.
• Material dissolution at open-circuit potential is a common issue, but its nanoscale mechanisms are poorly understood.
• Observing these nanoscale structural changes directly during operation is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel workflow for quantitative nanoscale analysis of electrode materials during electrochemical operation.
• To investigate the mechanisms behind electrode material dissolution using advanced imaging techniques.
• To provide a blueprint for correlating nanoscale imaging with macroscopic electrochemical data.

Main Methods:

• Developed a workflow integrating automated image analysis, beam effect assessment, and correlative electrochemical testing.
• Utilized electrochemical liquid phase electron microscopy (EC-LP-EM) for real-time nanoscale observation.
• Conducted demonstrator experiments on silver electrodeposited on platinum electrodes.

Main Results:

• Revealed that silver electrode dissolution is driven by system equilibration involving oxygen reduction reaction and bimetallic corrosion.
• Demonstrated that these degradation mechanisms occur at the electrode-electrolyte interface under zero net current conditions.
• Showcased nanoscale structural changes during material operation.

Conclusions:

• The developed EC-LP-EM workflow enables quantitative investigation of nanoscale degradation mechanisms.
• Insights into dissolution mechanisms aid in designing more stable and efficient electrocatalysts and energy conversion systems.
• This approach is applicable to a wide range of materials beyond the demonstrator experiment.