Workshop Emerging Operando Strategies for the Electrochemical, Photochemical and Photoelectrochemical Conversion of Small Molecules

The workshop aims at gathering scientists working on operando methods, allowing for the characterization of (nano)materials activity towards the electrochemical, photochemical and photoelectrochemical activation of small molecules (H2, O2, N2, CO2, H2O, …) in the context of the energy transition. To name but a few, it includes in situ TEM, X-ray based, spectroscopy, optical and advanced electrochemical techniques. The paramount role of the conversion of small molecules in the energy transition has driven a lot of research in the past few years, and strong effort is being done to produce materials with enhanced performances and to decrease the need of unsustainable materials. Nevertheless, it is of crucial importance to get knowledge on the structure of the active sites, on the reaction mechanisms and on the degradation processes of these materials actually occurring in operating conditions, in order to improve their performances and stability by a rational design. The recent improvements in temporal and spatial resolution, and fast data treatment allow for the emergence of operando multi-approach techniques that are becoming essential to establish structure-properties/activities relationships. The workshop will be a unique opportunity to present an overview of state-of-the-art operando techniques involved in such electrochemical, photochemical and photoelectrochemical processes with their possibilities and limitations, as well as their future evolution. It will also present all the technical and scientific challenges that scientists are currently facing to explore these systems from sub-nano to micrometer scale, and at various timescales. This workshop represents an opportunity to share your results, knowledge and ideas within the researchers from Ile-de-France in this field, so please, don’t hesitate to submit your abstract for an oral communication before April 2nd, 2024.