TY  - CONF
AU  - Basak, Shibabrata
AU  - Chakraborty, Pritam
AU  - Poc, Jean-Pierre
AU  - Jodat, Eva
AU  - Karl, André
AU  - Eichel, Rüdiger-A.
TI  - Bridging the Nanoscale Gap: Multimodal Electron Microscopyfor Advancing Electrolyzer Technologies
M1  - FZJ-2026-00510
PY  - 2025
AB  - The transition to a sustainable energy future is inseparably linked to the development of efficient and reliable hydrogen production technologies. Electrolysis, encompassing both low-temperature (PEM/AEM) and high-temperature (SOFC/SOEC) approaches, holds immense promise. However, a significant hurdle remains: a comprehensive understanding of the complex electrochemical processes at the nanoscale and how that translates to macro-scale performance and durability. This presentation shows how advanced electron microscopy can address this challenge.Overall our research aims to correlate fundamental nanoscale mechanisms with device performance in both low- and high-temperature electrolysis by developing and implementing a comprehensive multimodal electron microscopy strategy. We emphasize visualizing nanoscale dynamics using in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and correlating these observations with the microstructural changes in lab or large-scale cells during long-term operation via a multimodal approach. Specifically, the low- and high-temperature electrolysis present distinct microscopy challenges. Beam-sensitive AEM and PEM electrolytes and catalysts necessitate low-dose TEM and cryo-sample preparation. Maintaining critical hydration states during imaging is crucial for accurate degradation mechanism analysis. Furthermore, the limitations of single-chamber MEMS-based in-situ TEM cells for gas/liquid phase reactions require careful consideration of electrochemical processes to maximize the information gained. Finally, the limited field of view and thin sample requirements of TEM necessitate careful consideration of broader relevance.Thus, we combine laser scanning microscopy (LSM) for large-scale context, (cryo) plasma FIB for precise TEM sample preparation or obtaining high-resolution 3D information to construct a comprehensive picture of the material's structure and behavior. Then, employ well though in-situ TEM investigation in (environmental) TEM to obtain necessary nanoscale process information.    This presentation will showcase unique degradation processes observed in PEM electrolysis and the nano-exsolution process and its long-term stability in high-temperature electrolysis. These nanoscale insights are crucial for the rational design and optimization of next-generation electrolyzers, accelerating the transition to a hydrogen-based economy.
T2  - Microscopy Conference 2025
CY  - 31 Aug 2025 - 4 Sep 2025, Karlsruhe (Germany)
Y2  - 31 Aug 2025 - 4 Sep 2025
M2  - Karlsruhe, Germany
LB  - PUB:(DE-HGF)24
UR  - https://juser.fz-juelich.de/record/1050787
ER  -