EDL-LAB / KAIST

Research

Three connected lines of work, from model catalysts at the atomic scale to membrane–electrode assemblies under industrial conditions.

Interface

Electrochemical interface design

How structure, composition and solvation environment at the electrode–electrolyte interface affect reaction kinetics, selectivity and stability.

  • Uncovering activity–stability relationships through model catalyst studies
  • Controlling activity, stability and selectivity via electric double layer (EDL) modulation
  • Probing interfacial structures with real-time analytical techniques
STRUCTURE SOLVATION COMPOSITION DETERMINES ELECTRODE +++ +++++++++−−−−− Kinetics Selectivity Stability model catalysts → activity–stability relationships
Structure, solvation and ion composition tune the interface, which determines kinetics, selectivity and stability. Schematic, not to scale.

Diagnostics

Development of diagnostic protocols

Protocols to assess the performance and degradation of electrochemical systems under realistic operating conditions.

  • Standardized testing platforms for water electrolysis, fuel cells and CO₂ reduction
  • Operando diagnostics using in situ ICP-MS, MS and EIS
  • Test designs that separate intrinsic catalytic activity from mass-transport and degradation effects
CELL PROBE REVEALS gas Online MS Product rates AC EIS Resistances liquid In situ ICP-MS Dissolution MEASURED PERFORMANCE illustrative split Intrinsic activity Transport losses Degradation
Each operando probe isolates one part of a running cell’s response, so intrinsic activity can be separated from transport losses and degradation. The split shown is illustrative.

Translation

From fundamentals to applications

Connecting fundamental electrochemical studies with real-world performance.

  • Building links between model catalysts and membrane–electrode assemblies (MEAs) and flow cells
  • Designing test protocols under industrially relevant conditions
FUNDAMENTALS APPLICATIONS ++− Model catalyst well-defined surface transfer MEA Flow cell industrially relevant test protocols
Model catalysts are transferred to MEAs and flow cells, and one set of test protocols under industrially relevant conditions spans all three.

Systems

PEM & AEM water electrolysis Fuel cells CO₂ reduction Oxygen evolution catalysis Single-atom catalysts

Operando tools

In situ ICP-MS Mass spectrometry EIS MEA testing Flow cells