Zhou Xiaoli, Zhao Xiaona, Liu Xian-Wei
School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
Department of Environmental Science and Technology, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
Anal Chem. 2024 Sep 16. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c03215.
Understanding the dynamic transformation processes of electrocatalysts during electrochemical reactions is crucial for the development of advanced materials for energy conversion and storage, yet it remains a challenge. Herein, we report the real-time monitoring of the dynamic transformation of a series of layered Sn chalcogenides during electrochemical reduction using a plasmonic imaging method. Taking SnSe as an example, we observed a strong firework-like emission diffusing outward from SnSe to the surrounding solution under a negative potential. The diffusion coefficient of the observed species is indicative of Sn nanoclusters rather than smaller ions. This study also extends to SnSe and SnS nanosheets, demonstrating the general applicability of plasmonic imaging for probing the stability and transformation mechanism of heterogeneous catalysts in electrocatalytic reactions. These insights provide a foundational understanding for designing more stable and efficient electrocatalysts for industrial applications.
了解电催化剂在电化学反应过程中的动态转变过程对于开发用于能量转换和存储的先进材料至关重要，但这仍然是一个挑战。在此，我们报告了使用等离子体成像方法对一系列层状锡硫属化合物在电化学还原过程中的动态转变进行实时监测。以SnSe为例，我们观察到在负电位下有强烈的类似烟花的发射从SnSe向周围溶液扩散。观察到的物种的扩散系数表明是锡纳米团簇而非较小的离子。这项研究还扩展到了SnSe和SnS纳米片，证明了等离子体成像在探测电催化反应中非均相催化剂的稳定性和转变机制方面具有普遍适用性。这些见解为设计用于工业应用的更稳定、高效的电催化剂提供了基础认识。
