Electrochemical Surface at the Atomic Scale: Insights for Sustainable Materials Design

Hydrogen fuel cells, automotive exhaust treatment, antimicrobial ceramics, gas sensors, and environmental oxidation reactions (e.g., VOC and soot removal) are essential technologies for sustainable urban development. A shared underlying determinant of their performance is the electrochemical reactions occurring at material surfaces. A key but underexplored question is: how do atomic-scale surface structures influence reaction kinetics and mechanisms?
To address this, we use solid oxide fuel cell electrodes—a model system for hydrogen technologies—as a platform for atomically precise surface engineering. By integrating synchrotron-based characterization, microkinetic modeling, and first-principles calculations, we reveal how surface atomic configurations critically impact reaction rates and pathways. These insights not only deepen our fundamental understanding of electrochemical interfaces but also inform the design of advanced materials for antimicrobial building ceramics, automotive emission control, and consumer electronics. This talk highlights how understanding on the surface electrochemical reactions can unlock new functionalities in materials for sustainable urban systems.