Department Seminar: Asst. Prof. Rebecca Pittkowski
Department Seminar
February 7, 2024 15:00-17:00
Lunch Room (C305), 3rd floor, C-building
Tenure Track Assistant Professor
Rebecca Pittkowski
Through X-ray eyes:
Watching nanoparticles in action
Abstract:
Nanoparticles play a crucial role in electrocatalytic energy conversion reactions. They are efficient as catalysts because of their unique properties and their high available surface area, which allows using scarce elements efficiently. Understanding the changes in atomic structure that can occur in the nanoparticles during electrocatalysis is crucial for optimizing their properties. Operando X-ray absorption and X-ray scattering methods provide us with insights into the dynamic transformations happening in the reaction environment - at the nanoscale. By tracking the structural changes, we can understand the processes that lead to both catalyst activation and catalyst deactivation. This can open up new strategies to develop more efficient and stable electrocatalyst materials.
Refreshments will be served after the seminar.