In-situ/operando soft x-ray spectroscopy characterization of interfacial phenomena in energy materials and devices

Abstract

Many important energy systems are based on the complexity of material architecture, chemistry and interactions among constituents within. To understand and thus ultimately control the energy applications calls for in-situ/operando characterization tools. Recently, we have developed the in-situ/operando soft X-ray spectroscopic systems for the studies of catalytic and electrochemical reactions, and reveal how to overcome the challenge that soft X-rays cannot easily peek into the high-pressure catalytic or liquid electrochemical reactions. The unique design of in-situ/operando soft X-ray spectroscopy instrumentation and fabrication principle and one example are presented.