Unraveling synergistic effects in dual atom catalysts by operando XAS

Dual Atom catalysts (DACs) have the potential to to achieve exceptional activity in many reactions including the oxygen evolution reaction, which is essential for the efficient production of green hydrogen from water electrolysis. DACs based on environmental friendly materials can be produced starting from single metal catalysts through anodic electrolysis in presence of impurities of a second metal. DACs have demonstrated improved performances compared to single metal materials, suggesting the existence of localized synergistic effects. Such mechanisms are not yet understood and the DACs atomic structure ex-situ and in working conditions are still highly debated. A XAS experiment in operando conditions will allow to investigate the process of in situ DACs formation and the structural and chemical changes trigged by the electrochemical potential. The results will allow to obtain structure-activity information and unravel the details of the catalytic mechanism.