Research

Nanoelectrochemistry: energy conversion for a zero-carbon future

We study electrochemical systems at the nanoscale. We develop new experimental techniques for seeing electrochemical reactions at the nanoscale, use them to investigate nanostructured electrode materials (particularly 2D materials), and apply what we learn to develop electrochemical devices for energy conversion.

1. Developing New Experimental Techniques

We invent and improve electrochemical scanning probe microscopy (EC-SPM) techniques that measure electrochemical processes with nanoscale resolution, including Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (SECCM), Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM), Intermittent-Contact Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (IC-SECM) and Scanning Bubble Electrochemical Microscopy.

Schematic of a scanning electrochemical cell microscopy nanopipette over a sample, with measured electrochemical signals

Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy

SECCM uses a nanopipette to form a tiny droplet cell on an electrode surface. Scanning the droplet across the surface builds up a map of electrochemical activity, point by point. We work to push the resolution, speed and functionality of SECCM.

Schematic of a scanning bubble probe with distance control and gas delivery channels, forming a bubble above a sample

Scanning Bubble Electrochemical Microscopy

A probe that delivers gas to form a bubble just above the sample, with control of the probe-sample distance. This lets us study gas-involving electrochemical reactions locally on an electrode surface.

Simulation and Scientific Programming

We use mathematical simulation and computational modelling to understand the transport of chemical species at the nanoscale and to quantify the electrochemical response our techniques measure.

2. Investigating Nanostructured Materials

Our main materials focus is 2D materials. We study how the structure of a 2D material (such as the number of layers, edges versus basal plane, the support material and defects) influences the electrochemical reactions on its surface.

Optical image of an SECCM probe and its shadow above a MoS2 flake on gold

Structure-Activity Mapping at 100 nm Resolution

Using SECCM, we map electrochemical activity across individual flakes, such as MoS2 on gold, at around 100 nm resolution, and relate it directly to the local structure of the electrode surface.

Electron micrograph of a 2D material flake with an array of SECCM measurement spots

Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions

We measure the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the two halves of water splitting, on nanostructured electrodes to find out which structural features make the best catalysts.

3. Developing Electrochemical Devices

We take our fundamental understanding of electrochemical reactions and apply it to the development of practical devices for energy conversion.

Exploded view of the layers of an electrolysis flow cell

Electrolysis Cells

We develop electrolysis flow cells, including cells that turn waste CO2 into valuable liquid fuels. This includes developing a validated digital twin of a CO2 electrolysis cell.

Working with Industry

We work with New Zealand industry, including bspkl, to take electrochemical technology from the lab towards real-world use.