Operando XAS study of polymer-passivated Mn/Cu-Doped CoO coatings for OER in near-neutral conditions

This proposal investigates the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) mechanisms of Mn and Cu-doped CoO catalysts deposited on carbon paper and Ni foam (NiF) substrate coated with polymers, including polyaniline (PANi)  and poly(4-vinyl)pyridine (PVP). The polymer coatings enhance both the catalyst and substrate(s) stability by preventing the leaching of Mn, Cu, and Co in near-neutral pH conditions (8–8.5), essential for coupling with CO₂ reduction reactions on the cathodic side. Using in-operando XAS at the Mn, Cu, and Co K-edges, this study will elucidate oxidation state dynamics, coordination environments, and structural transformations during OER, providing mechanistic insights that are crucial for optimizing catalyst design and industrial device-scale water electrolyzers.