Vineetha Vinayakumar1,2,Adarsh Jain1,Doris Segets1,2
Institute for Energy and Materials Processes–Particle Science and Technology (EMPI–PST), University of Duisburg–Essen (UDE)1,Center for Nanointegration Duisburg–Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg–Essen (UDE)2
Vineetha Vinayakumar1,2,Adarsh Jain1,Doris Segets1,2
Institute for Energy and Materials Processes–Particle Science and Technology (EMPI–PST), University of Duisburg–Essen (UDE)1,Center for Nanointegration Duisburg–Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg–Essen (UDE)2
Efficient operation of energy conversion applications relies on the optimization of anode electrodes. Improving anode performance and efficiency involves optimizing their fabrication process (1). The surface microstructure of anodes plays a crucial role in their functionality, necessitating precise characterization (2). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has proven to be a powerful technique for examining the nanoscale microstructure of anodes. However, AFM has limitations when investigating large electrode areas, posing challenges in evaluating the surface microstructure of large-scale electrodes.<br/>In this study, we developed a multi-stage data quantification method to overcome AFM's limitations and measure large electrode areas. We validated our approach by testing anodes fabricated under various spray coating process conditions. Our method effectively provides valuable information on homogeneity, surface smoothness, and the presence of cracks or defects, enabling an overall assessment of electrode quality. Additionally, the combination of statistical analysis and matrix-based analysis in our approach demonstrates its potential to benefit material scientists and extend its application to analyze the micro/nanostructure of other materials in various applications, providing new insights for optimization. Integrating surface analysis measurements with electrochemical analysis is a crucial step in determining overall anode quality. The findings obtained through our multi-stage data quantification method using AFM can be directly correlated with electrochemical analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding of the anode's performance and establish structure-performance relationships. By combining these techniques, we can understand the relationship between surface morphology and the anode's electrochemical properties, activity, and cycling stability. This connection between surface analysis and electrochemical analysis yields crucial insights into anode performance and ultimately advances the development of energy conversion technologies.<br/><br/><b>References</b><br/>(1) David, M., C. Ocampo-Martínez, and R. Sánchez-Peña, <i>Advances in alkaline water electrolyzers: A review.</i> Journal of Energy Storage, 2019. <b>23</b>: p. 392-403.<br/>(2) Siegmund, D., et al., <i>Crossing the valley of death: from fundamental to applied research in electrolysis.</i> Jacs Au, 2021. <b>1</b>(5): p. 527-535.