Emerging transmission electron microscopy solutions for electrocatalysts: from synthesis to deactivation

Abstract

Clean energy innovation has triggered the thriving development of electrocatalysts which maximize the utilization of renewable energy. Structural characterization of electrocatalysts is vital to the rational design of novel structure, where the fundamentals of catalytic property–structure relationship await exploration. Among the characterization techniques for electrocatalysts, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an essential tool. Powered by emerging techniques such as in situ TEM, electron tomography and spectroscopic imaging, TEM has become a “nano-lab” and offers profound understanding of the electrocatalysts. In this review, we briefly summarize the recent progress in TEM characterization of electrocatalysts, following three stages of electrocatalysts from synthesis, function to deactivation. Emerging techniques are reviewed to address different challenges in each stage, offering solutions for structural characterization for different needs. Perspectives of TEM for electrocatalysts are finally discussed.