Magali Lingenfelder1
EPFL1
Our society faces a critical challenge in shifting from a reliance on carbon-based energy to sustainable renewable sources. A key step towards achieving clean energy lies in developing efficient catalysts that can convert chemical energy into electricity or use electrons to generate chemical energy.<br/><br/>In our research group, we tackle these challenges by creating customized materials that draw inspiration from nature (biomimicry) and combine principles from interfacial chemistry and surface physics. For this presentation, I focus on the process of photosynthesis as inspiration for the design, characterization, and dynamic nature of functional interfaces that drive energy conversion processes such as CO<sub>2 </sub>electroreduction and water splitting on the surface of Earth-abundant materials.<br/><br/>I will also discuss the application of cutting-edge scanning probe microscopy and Raman spectroscopy under electrochemical conditions, which allows us to visualize dynamic processes at the nanoscale (<i>operando </i> imaging). Additionally, I will highlight our use of unconventional strategies that leverage the assembly of chiral molecular layers and two-dimensional materials to enhance electrocatalytic conversion processes. (References : Nanoletters, 2021, 21, 2059; Nature Comm., 2022, 13, 3356, IJC 62, 11, 2022).