TY - JOUR A1 - Wu, J. A1 - Gong, M. A1 - Zhang, W. A1 - Mehmood, Asad A1 - Zhang, J. A1 - Ali, G. A1 - Kucernak, A. T1 - Simultaneously incorporating atomically dispersed Co-Nₓ sites with graphitic carbon layer-wrapped Co₉S₈ nanoparticles for oxygen reduction in acidic electrolyte N2 - A facile yet robust synthesis is reported herein to simultaneously incorporate atomically dispersed Co-Nₓ sites with graphitic layer-protected Co₉S₈ nanoparticles (denoted as Co SACs+Co₉S₈) as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction in acidic solution. The Co SACs+Co₉S₈ catalyst shows low H₂O₂ selectivity (∼5 %) with high half-wave potential (E1/2) of ∼0.78 V(RHE) in 0.5 M H₂SO₄. The atomic sites of the catalyst were quantified by a nitrite stripping method and the corresponding site density of the catalyst is calculated to be 3.2×10¹⁸ sites g⁻¹. Besides, we also found the presence of a reasonable amount of Co₉S₈ nanoparticles is beneficial for the oxygen electrocatalysis. Finally, the catalyst was assembled into a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for evaluating its performance under more practical conditions in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system. KW - Co−N-Cs KW - Fuel cells KW - Single-atom catalysts KW - Oxygen reduction reaction KW - PGM-free catalysts PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-575993 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/celc.202300110 SN - 2196-0216 VL - 10 IS - 12 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - Wiley-VCH CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-57599 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gong, M. A1 - Mehmood, Asad A1 - Ali, B. A1 - Nam, K.-W. A1 - Kucernak, A. T1 - Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity in Non-Precious Single-Atom (M−N/C) Catalysts − Contribution of Metal and Carbon/Nitrogen Framework-Based Sites N2 - We examine the performance of a number of single-atom M−N/C electrocatalysts with a common structure in order to deconvolute the activity of the framework N/C support from the metal M−N4 sites in M−N/Cs. The formation of the N/C framework with oordinating nitrogen sites is performed using zinc as a templating agent. After the formation of the electrically conducting carbon−nitrogen metal-coordinating network, we (trans)metalate with different metals producing a range of different catalysts (Fe−N/C, Co−N/C, Ni−N/C, Sn−N/C, Sb−N/C, and Bi−N/C) without the formation of any metal particles. In these materials, the structure of the carbon/nitrogen framework remains unchanged-only the coordinated metal is substituted. We assess the performance of the subsequent catalysts in acid, near-neutral, and alkaline environments toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and ascribe and quantify the performance to a combination of metal site activity and activity of the carbon/nitrogen framework. The ORR activity of the carbon/nitrogen framework is about 1000-fold higher in alkaline than it is in acid, suggesting a change in mechanism. At 0.80 VRHE, only Fe and Co contribute ORR activity significantly beyond that provided by the carbon/nitrogen framework at all pH values studied. In acid and near-neutral pH values (pH 0.3 and 5.2, respectively), Fe shows a 30-fold improvement and Co shows a 5-fold improvement, whereas in alkaline pH (pH 13), both Fe and Co show a 7-fold improvement beyond the baseline framework activity. The site density of the single metal atom sites is estimated using the nitrite adsorption and stripping method. This method allows us to deconvolute the framework sites and metal-based active sites. The framework site density of catalysts is estimated as 7.8 × 1018 sites g−1. The metal M−N4 site densities in Fe−N/C and Co−N/C are 9.4 × 1018 sites−1 and 4.8 × 1018 sites g−1, respectively. KW - Active site density KW - Fuel cells KW - Single-atom catalysts KW - Oxygen reduction reaction KW - PGM-free catalysts KW - M−N/Cs PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-575640 DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.3c00356 SN - 2155-5435 VL - 13 IS - 10 SP - 6661 EP - 6674 PB - American Chemical Society AN - OPUS4-57564 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schwarz, Irina A1 - Rieck, Arielle T1 - Valorization of carbon dioxide by electrocatalytic reduction coupled to acetogens via multiple electron carriers (Ecat-acetogens) N2 - To alleviate CO2 emissions and their impact on climate change, converting carbon dioxide into valuable products such as multi-carbon organic chemicals is of great importance. CO2 can be converted via different pathways such as electrochemical, photo-electrochemical and biological etc. Each approach offers distinct merits but also certain challenges in terms of process efficiency, product selectivity and implementation at scale etc. Therefore, developing coupled CO2 conversion systems, for instance bioelectrochemical reactors, can potentially address some of those challenges.[1] In this work, the focus is on developing cost-efficient, biocompatible, and high activity porous M-N-C catalysts with M = Ni and Co that are atomically dispersed as NiN4 and CoN4 active sites in porous carbon matrix. Ni- and Co-N-Cs are prepared by active-site imprinting approach using Mg as an imprinter.[2][3] Pyrolysis of Mg-N-C is carried out in a salt-melt at high temperatures (≥ 800 oC) and followed by an exchange with Ni or Co at low temperatures. N2-sorption of the materials reveal a micro-mesoporous structure with high surface areas (> 1000 m2 g-1) and a mass-transport enabling pore system. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) reveal the existence of atomically dispersed single atom active sites with defined active site structure. A variety of Ni-N-Cs and Co-N-Cs were tested for CO2R activity in a rotating disc electrode (RDE) setup, showing high activity and selectivity towards CO2R versus the competing HER. Subsequently, these catalysts were implemented in a home-made bio-electrocatalytical system (BES) consisting of a bioreactor coupled to a CO2 electrolysis cell. Here, CO2 is first electrochemically converted to CO in the electrolysis cell which is then directly fed to bacteria (Clostridium ragsdalei) in bioreactor who further metabolize it to valuable carbon compounds such as acetate. In the BES, partial pressures of CO reached a maximum of 5.7 mbar and that of hydrogen was 2.7 mbar after 30 h. A specific exponential bacterial growth rate of 0.16 h-1 was observed with acetate formation rate of 1.8 mg L-1 h-1 and an acetate concentration of 0.103 g L-1 corresponding to acetate formation rate of 0.73 mmol d-1. As will be discussed in greater details in this talk, we have successfully demonstrated the validity of a coupled bio-electrocatalytical system concept operating with Co- and Ni-N-C catalysts for CO2 conversion. T2 - Joint SPP Conference CY - Jena, Germany DA - 06.11.2024 KW - CO2 Reduktion KW - Bioelectrocatalytical system PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61993 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schwarz, Irina A1 - Rieck, Arielle T1 - Valorization of carbon dioxide by electrocatalytic reduction coupled to acetogens via multiple electron carriers (Ecat-acetogens) N2 - For the realization of a sustainable energy economy, it is of great importance to develop CO2 -neutral methods producing multi-carbon organic chemicals used as feedstock as well as carbon-neutral fuels by CO2 capture and conversion. In this work, a bio-electrocatalytical system (BES) consisting of a bioreactor coupled to a CO2 electrolysis cell is established. CO2 is first electrochemically converted to CO in electrolysis cell which is then directly fed to bacteria (acetogens) to further metabolize it to valuable carbon compounds such as acetate. The objective of this study is to develop cost-efficient, biocompatible and high activity electrocatalysts that can selectively convert CO2 to CO. Porous nitrogen-doped carbons containing atomically dispersed Ni and Co (Ni or Co-N-Cs) are prepared by active-site imprinting approach. First, synthesis of Mg- or Zn-N-C was carried out through pyrolysis of precursors in a salt melt followed by exchange with Ni or Co. N2-sorption porosimetry of the materials reveal a micro-mesoporous structure with high surface areas (> 1000 m2 g-1) and a mass-transport enabling pore system. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) reveal the existence of single atom sites with no formation of nanoparticles. A variety of Ni-N-Cs and Co-N-Cs were tested for CO2R activity in a rotating disc electrode (RDE) setup, showing high activity (Tafel slopes range from 77 – 130 mV/decade) and selectivity towards CO2R versus the competing HER. Before operation in the BES, first tests were performed in a single cell. Significantly increased current was detected in the CO2R test in CO2-saturated electrolyte vs. in N2 -saturated electrolyte indirectly proving formation of carbon monoxide (CO). Transfer of the electrolysis cell operation into the BES proved to be successful. For biotic operation, the BES was inoculated with Clostridium ragsdalei. Partial pressures pCO reached a maximum of 5.7 mbar and pH2 was 2.7 mbar after 30h. The reduction of partial pressures is interpreted as the consumption of the gases by C.ragsdalei. We report a specific exponential growth rate of 0.16 h-1, acetate formation rate of 1.8 mg L-1 h-1 and an acetate concetration of 0.103 g L-1 corresponding to acetate formation rate of 0.73 mmol d-1.In this work we successfully demonstrated an integrated bio-electrocatalytic system (BES) to convert CO2 into value-added chemicals. The usage of a Co- and Ni-N-Cs as the reduction catalyst within the BES allowed production of CO and H2 with relative selectivity for CO resulting in the growth of Clostridium ragsdalei and acetate production. T2 - Joint SPP Conference CY - Jena, Germany DA - 06.11.2023 KW - Bioelectrocatalytical system PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-61995 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schwarz, Irina A1 - Rieck, Arielle T1 - Valorization of carbon dioxide by electrocatalytic reduction coupled to acetogens via multiple electron carriers (Ecat-acetogens) N2 - To alleviate CO2 emissions and their impact on climate change, converting carbon dioxide into valuable products such as multi-carbon organic chemicals is of great importance. CO2 can be converted via different pathways such as electrochemical, photo-electrochemical and biological etc. Each approach offers distinct merits but also certain challenges in terms of process efficiency, product selectivity and implementation at scale etc. Therefore, developing coupled CO2 conversion systems, for instance bioelectrochemical reactors, can potentially address some of those challenges.[1] In this work, the focus is on developing cost-efficient, biocompatible, and high activity porous M-N-C catalysts with M = Ni and Co that are atomically dispersed as NiN4 and CoN4 active sites in porous carbon matrix. Ni- and Co-N-Cs are prepared by active-site imprinting approach using Mg as an imprinter.[2][3] Pyrolysis of Mg-N-C is carried out in a salt-melt at high temperatures (≥ 800 oC) and followed by an exchange with Ni or Co at low temperatures. N2-sorption of the materials reveal a micro-mesoporous structure with high surface areas (> 1000 m2 g-1) and a mass-transport enabling pore system. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) reveal the existence of atomically dispersed single atom active sites with defined active site structure. A variety of Ni-N-Cs and Co-N-Cs were tested for CO2R activity in a rotating disc electrode (RDE) setup, showing high activity and selectivity towards CO2R versus the competing HER. Subsequently, these catalysts were implemented in a home-made bio-electrocatalytical system (BES) consisting of a bioreactor coupled to a CO2 electrolysis cell. Here, CO2 is first electrochemically converted to CO in the electrolysis cell which is then directly fed to bacteria (Clostridium ragsdalei) in bioreactor who further metabolize it to valuable carbon compounds such as acetate. In the BES, partial pressures of CO reached a maximum of 5.7 mbar and that of hydrogen was 2.7 mbar after 30 h. A specific exponential bacterial growth rate of 0.16 h-1 was observed with acetate formation rate of 1.8 mg L-1 h-1 and an acetate concentration of 0.103 g L-1 corresponding to acetate formation rate of 0.73 mmol d-1. As will be discussed in greater details in this talk, we have successfully demonstrated the validity of a coupled bio-electrocatalytical system concept operating with Co- and Ni-N-C catalysts for CO2 conversion. T2 - eBiotech Workshop Week + Status Seminar CY - Jena, Germany DA - 19.03.2023 KW - Bioelectrocatalytical system PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-61997 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zhang, Wuyi A1 - Mehmood, Asad A1 - Ali, Ghulam A1 - Liu, Hui A1 - Chai, Liyuan A1 - Wu, Jun A1 - Liu, Min T1 - Nickel Nanocluster-Stabilized Unsaturated Ni–N3 Atomic Sites for Efficient CO2-to-CO Electrolysis at Industrial-Level Current N2 - Unsaturated Ni single-atom catalysts (SACs), Ni-Nx (x=1,2,3), have been investigated to break the conventional Ni-N4 structural limitation and provide more unoccupied 3d orbitals for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) intermediates adsorption, but their intrinsically low structural stability has seriously hindered their applications. Here, we developed a strategy by integrating Ni nanoclusters to stabilize unsaturated Ni-N3 atomic sites for efficient CO2 electroreduction to CO at industrial-level current. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the incorporation of Ni nanocluster effectively stabilizes the unsaturated Ni-N3 atomic sites and modulates their electronic structure to enhance the adsorption of the key intermediate *COOH during CO2RR. Guided by these insights, we prepared an optimal composite catalyst, Ni6@Ni-N3, which features a Ni6N6 nanocluster surrounded by six Ni-N3 single atoms sites, through low-temperature pyrolysis. The morphology and coordinative structure of Ni6@Ni-N3 were confirmed by an aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope (AC-TEM) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). As a result, Ni6@Ni-N3 demonstrated a remarkably high CO Faradaic efficiency (FECO) of 99.7 % and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 83984.2 h−1 at 500 mA cm−2 under −1.15 VRHE, much better than those of Ni-N4 with a lower FECO of 86 % at 100 mA cm−2 and a TOF of 39309.9 h−1under identical potential. XAS analyses of Ni6@Ni-N3 before and after long-term CO2RR testing confirmed the excellent stability of its coordinative environment. This work highlights a generalizable approach for stabilizing unsaturated single-atom catalysts, paving the way for their application in high-performance CO2RR. KW - Electrochemical CO2 conversion KW - Single atom catalysts KW - CO2 electrolysis PY - 2025 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202424552 SN - 1521-3773 VL - 64 IS - 13 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Wiley-VCH CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-62926 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - GEN A1 - Braga, Daniel S. A1 - Pedersen, Angus A1 - Riyaz, Mohd A1 - Barrio, Jesús A1 - Bagger, Alexander A1 - Neckel, Itamar T. A1 - Mariano, Thiago M. A1 - Winkler, Manuel E. G. A1 - Stephens, Ifan E. L. A1 - Titirici, Maria‐Magdalena A1 - Nagao, Raphael T1 - Inside back cover image for the article "In situ structural evolution and activity descriptor of atomically dispersed catalysts during nitrate electroreduction" N2 - This cover illustrates the electrosynthesis of ammonia through the reduction of nitrate ions on metallic clusters formed from single atom catalysts. The artwork highlights the catalytic interface where molecular transformations occur, linking nanoscale reactions to sustainable fertilizer production. By converting pollutants into value-added products, this work envisions a green pathway toward circular nitrogen management and enhanced agricultural sustainability. More details can be found in the Research Article (DOI: 10.1002/advs.202510282) by Maria-Magdalena Titirici, Raphael Nagao, and co-workers. KW - Single atom KW - Nitrate reduction KW - In situ KW - Structure-activity-selectivity PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-652626 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.71951 SN - 2198-3844 VL - 12 IS - 39 SP - 1 PB - Wiley-VCH CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-65262 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Dayani, Shahabeddin A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Krug von Nidda, Jonas A1 - Schmidt, Anita A1 - Bruno, Giovanni T1 - Quantification of the Deep Discharge Induced Asymmetric Copper Deposition in Lithium‐Ion Cells by Operando Synchrotron X‐Ray Tomography N2 - AbstractLithium‐ion cells connected in series are prone to an electrical safety risk called overdischarge. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the overdischarge phenomenon in lithium‐ion cells using operando nondestructive imaging. The study focuses on understanding the behavior of copper dissolution and deposition during overdischarge, which can lead to irreversible capacity loss and internal short‐circuits. By utilizing synchrotron X‐ray computed tomography (SXCT), the concentration of dissolved and deposited copper per surface area is quantified as a function of depth of discharge, confirming previous findings. The results also highlight for the first time a nonuniform distribution pattern for copper deposition on the cathode. This research provides insights for safer battery cell design. KW - Lithium Ion Batteries KW - Deep Discharge KW - Computer Tomography KW - Copper Deposition KW - Litium Ion Cells PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-592717 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202301246 SP - 1 EP - 7 PB - Wiley AN - OPUS4-59271 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Böttcher, Nils A1 - Dayani, Shahabeddin A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Schmidt, Anita A1 - Kowal, J. A1 - Lu, Y. A1 - Krug von Nidda, Jonas A1 - Bruno, Giovanni T1 - Visualization of stepwise electrode decomposition in a nail penetrated commercial lithium-ion cell using low-temperature synchrotron X-ray computed tomography N2 - The transition towards zero carbon emissions in power generation hinges on the integration of efficient electrical energy storage systems, with lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) positioned as a pivotal technology. While generally safe, deviations in their operational guidelines due to manufacturing defects or misuse can lead to critical safety concerns, notably thermal runaway (TR) events. Internal short circuits (ISCs) are primary initiators of TR within LIBs. For abuse testing, ISCs are often triggered by nail penetration. This study explores the morphological changes and mechanisms underlying ISC-induced TR in LIBs using operando synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT) at subzero temperatures. A novel cryogenic setup was developed to control a stepwise temperature increase in the damaged sample while monitoring electrochemical characteristics and simultaneously enabling acquisition of high-resolution SXCT images. The findings reveal that conducting nail penetration at minus 80°C prevents immediate TR, enabling detailed analysis of subsequent structural and electrochemical behavior during controlled thawing. Thus, the initiation of TR processes at localized ISC sites has been observed, evidenced by voltage fluctuations and morphological changes, such as cathode material cracking and decomposition. These results underscore the importance of temperature control in mitigating TR risks and provide critical insights into the internal dynamics of LIBs under abusive conditions. The developed cryogenic SXCT methodology offers a powerful tool for non-destructive, high-resolution investigation of battery failure mechanisms, contributing to the enhancement of LIB safety. KW - Tomography KW - X-ray imaging KW - Lithium-ion battery PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-611327 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.235472 VL - 623 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Elsevier CY - New York, NY AN - OPUS4-61132 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Low, Jian Liang T1 - 理论模拟与实验协同的材料表征与机理研究 T1 - Integrating modelling and experiment for synergistic material characterization and mechanism studies N2 - In this academic salon among Chinese-speaking researchers within Germany and EU, I presented my work on utilizing computational chemistry to support experimental characterization and mechanism studies. The discussion focused on metal- and nitrogen-doped carbon (M-N-Cs) with well-defined coordination geometry as an excellent reference material for synergistic theory-experimental research. Some key topics included the analysis of structural preferences of imprinting ions, spectroscopic characterization of specific active sites and mechanism studies pertaining oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen peroxide chemistry at these active sites. T2 - 21st Koushare Workshop - European Materials Science: From Molecular Design to Material Applications CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 25.10.2025 KW - Metal- and Nitrogen Doped Carbon (M-N-C) KW - Active Site Characterization KW - Electrochemical mechanisms KW - Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-65152 LA - zho AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -