NSRRC Activity Report 2023

C hemistry plays a pivotal role in both electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, where it accelerates and controls chemical reactions at the interfaces of catalysts and reactants. In electrocatalysis, reactions occur at electrode surfaces, facilitated by catalysts to enable electron transfer and drive electrochemical transformations. This process is crucial for applications such as the oxygen evolution reaction and CO 2 reduction reaction. Conversely, in photocatalysis, reactions are initiated and accelerated by catalysts absorbing light energy, promoting photo-induced electron transfer reactions. These reactions are essential for processes such as solar energy conversion and environmental remediation. Currently, numerous studies are focused on developing different catalyst materials to enhance selectivity and efficiency. However, understanding the key mechanisms of these reactions is crucial for catalyst material development. This section primarily discusses four papers that employ synchrotron radiation techniques, such as ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering, to investigate catalytic mechanism processes. These in-situ or in-operando X-ray techniques provide fundamental insights and design principles necessary for optimizing catalysts and reaction pathways in both electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. (by Wei-Tsung Chuang) Chemical Science