Elucidating Structure/Function Relationships in 2D Heterostructured Electrocatalyst using In-situ X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

The ability to electrooxidize biomass compounds efficiently and selectively can serve as source of both renewable hydrocarbons and H2 under electrolysis conditions. Although a host of common anode electrocatalysts have been implemented in biomass oxidation reactions, our group is investigating the use of 2D heterostructured electrocatalysts consisting of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Our results to date showcase synergistic coupling in both electrooxidation of biomass and H+ reduction, but we currently lack an understanding of how the electronic structure is modulated in the heterostructures. We aim to uncover the structure/function relationships responsible for these materials’ catalytic activity using in-situ electrochemical PDF analysis, which in turn will assist in the design of future catalyst with improved biomass electrooxidation properties.