In situ stroboscopic Bragg coherent diffraction imaging during cyclo-voltammetry

Platinum group metal nanoparticles are frequently used as catalysts in a large number of relevant (electro)-chemical processes. In this proposal, we aim to investigate the effect of the Pt surface structure on catalytic performance during cyclic voltammetry. Open questions remain regarding the mechanism and the kinetics of adsorption during the hydrogen oxidation reaction on the different Miller indexed surfaces of Pt. Using stroboscopic Bragg coherent x-ray diffraction imaging (BCDI), we intend to map in situ, the three-dimensional evolution of the deformation/strain field of multi-faceted Pt nano-crystallites as a function of applied potential. This will yield the 3D strain map at millisecond timescales during the cyclic voltammetry process. Real time fast scans will inform on sample degradation at high potentials with a temporal resolution of <20 s. his experiment will complement previous studies carried out at ID01 beamline.