Probing the kinetics difference of hydrogen and deuterium evolution reactions (DER/HER) using Bragg coherent diffraction imaging.

The kinetics of Hydrogen and Deuterium Evolution Reactions (HER/DER) are pivotal in advancing hydrogen-based energy conversion technologies like electrolyzers and fuel cells. This project aims to investigate both the thermodynamics and kinetics governing the ad-, ab-, and desorption processes of hydrogen and deuterium onto palladium nano-crystallites (NCs). Using Bragg Coherent X-ray Diffraction Imaging (BCDI), we intend to dynamically visualize, in situ, the three-dimensional evolution of the deformation and strain fields within Pd nano-crystallites in an electrochemical cell during H2O and D2O electrolysis. This study will shed light on the fundamental differences in the kinetics of HER and DER processes on Pd, focusing on elucidating the impact of isotope substitution (H to D) on the underlying reaction pathways.