Vortrag: Identifying Limitations in Reaction Kinetics and Transport Processes in Oxygen Evolution and CO2 Reduction Reaction

Future sustainable energy systems rely on water electrolysis and the power-to-chemicals concept for the production of chemicals and for energy and resource transition in chemical industry. Many of these technologies, especially new ones, are struggling to reach the market due to the low performance of the electrodes. Losses are often due to sluggish kinetics at the electrode surface or transport effects including detrimental changes in the local electrolyte.

Dynamic electrochemical measurements enable to partially separate reactions from each other and from transport processes. However, these do not allow a deep insight and understanding of the complex reaction networks or the interactions between reaction and transport. Kinetic modeling fills this gap. By accurately reproducing experimental cyclic voltammograms (CVs), micro- and macrokinetic modeling and simulations reveal the underlying dynamics and performance-limiting processes and provide detailed insights for improvements.

This talk will provide comprehensive insights into the interplay of surface, reaction and transport processes using steady-state and dynamic experiments in combination with kinetic modeling and simulation. Examples will include the kinetic limitations of the oxygen evolution reaction in water electrolysis in acidic electrolyte on Ir or Ru oxides and the comparative analysis of the kinetics in aqueous versus organic electrolytes in CO₂ reduction. The analyses highlight various challenges and optimization opportunities in catalyst design and process conditions.