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Research

We study electrochemical interfaces under operating conditions, connecting surface chemistry and electrode evolution with catalytic activity, product selectivity, and durability. Our recent work centers on water electrolysis, ammonia oxidation, and the reliability of electrochemical measurements.

It doesn't matter how beautiful your theory is, it doesn't matter how smart you are. If it doesn't agree with experiment, it's wrong.

— Richard P. Feynman
Art Deco–Cubist artwork of operando signals probing supported electrocatalysts

Interface Analysis with Operando Method

We investigate how electrochemical interfaces evolve under operating conditions and how this evolution governs reaction pathways and product selectivity. Our focus is on the interplay among electrode potential, the electrolyte environment, surface species, and interfacial structure. By combining operando spectroscopy, electrochemical microscopy, product analysis, and electrochemical measurements, we connect changes at the interface with reaction rates and product distributions. We aim to identify the processes that control selective conversion and develop a mechanistic basis for designing effective electrocatalytic systems.

Operando spectroscopyDEMSEC-AFM

Core Questions

  • How do ammonia, hydroxide, and oxygen chemistry redirect reaction pathways?
  • Which surface states persist or change while the reaction is running?
  • How can complementary measurements distinguish relevant intermediates from spectator signals and probe effects?

Selected Recent Papers

Art Deco–Cubist artwork of catalyst particles evolving across a material surface

Degradation, Electrode Stability, and Catalyst Design

We study the origins of performance loss in catalysts, supports, and electrode substrates, and use this understanding to guide durable material and interface design. We examine how chemical, structural, and electrical changes develop during operation, distinguishing reversible changes from irreversible degradation and identifying the role of surface reconstruction. Time-resolved electrochemical measurements, combined with complementary chemical and structural characterization, help relate evolving material states to activity and stability. Our goal is to understand how operating conditions and material interactions govern electrode durability and to develop design strategies that balance catalytic performance with long-term reliability.

Time-resolved impedanceSubstrate stabilityInterface design

Core Questions

  • Which interfacial changes accompany activation, gradual decay, or irreversible failure?
  • How do electrolyte composition and polarization history affect catalyst and substrate stability?
  • How can interface and support design improve durability while retaining catalytic activity?

Selected Recent Papers

Art Deco–Cubist artwork of molecular-scale electrochemical structure and transport

Reliable and Quantitative Electrochemistry

We develop quantitative electrochemical methods that make measurements and material comparisons more reliable. Our work examines how interfacial kinetics, electrical resistance, mass transport, and changing electrode states contribute to measured responses, and how these contributions can be distinguished. We integrate experimental design, impedance analysis, signal correction, activity normalization, and reproducible data processing to connect observations with physically meaningful quantities. Through validated protocols and accessible analysis tools, we aim to clarify the assumptions and limits of electrochemical interpretation and support transparent, reproducible evaluation.

Dynamic iR correctionImpedance interpretationProtocol validation

Core Questions

  • How should resistance, current, and potential be paired when an electrode changes during a measurement?
  • When does a fitted resistance reflect interfacial kinetics, and what additional evidence is needed?
  • How do counter electrodes, cell geometry, and measurement protocols influence the conclusions?

Selected Recent Papers