A comparative study of electrochemical cells for in situ x-ray spectroscopies in the soft and tender x-ray range. (20th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Velasco-Vélez, Juan-Jesús; Falling, Lorenz J; Bernsmeier, Denis; Sear, Michael J; Clark, Pip C J; Chan, Ting-Shan; Stotz, Eugen; Hävecker, Michael; Kraehnert, Ralph; Knop-Gericke, Axel; Chuang, Cheng-Hao; Starr, David E; Favaro, Marco; Mom, Rik V
• Is Part Of: Journal of physics. Volume 54:Number 12(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-20
• Subjects: in situ x-ray spectroscopy -- electrochemistry -- x-ray absorption spectroscopy -- x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy -- spectroelectrochemistry; Physics -- Periodicals; 530
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/abd2ed
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3727

Abstract

Abstract: In situ x-ray spectroscopies offer a powerful way to understand the electronic structure of the electrode–electrolyte interface under operating conditions. However, most x-ray techniques require vacuum, making it necessary to design spectro-electrochemical cells with a delicate interface to the wet electrochemical environment. The design of the cell often dictates what measurements can be done and which electrochemical processes can be studied. Hence, it is important to pick the right spectro-electrochemical cell for the process of interest. To facilitate this choice, and to highlight the challenges in cell design, we critically review four recent, successful cell designs. Using several case studies, we investigate the opportunities and limitations that arise in practical experiments.