Impact of Interfacial Chemistry on Corrosion, Sensing, and Catalytic Properties of Materials

Author: Evans, John Matthew

Year: 2024

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Lewis, Nathan Saul

Committee Members: Gray, Harry B.; See, Kimberly; Blake, Geoffrey A.; Lewis, Nathan Saul

Option: Chemistry

DOI: 10.7907/e033-xj27

Abstract

Interfaces are critical for the development of new technologies spanning applications from energy to sensing. Here, electrochemical and spectroscopic investigations of interfacial chemistry reveal how the sensitivity of chemical vapor sensors can be tuned, how stoichiometry and electrolysis affect the chemical state of a Mn-based oxygen evolution catalyst, and how the presence of barrier protection layers affects the stability of photoanodes in alkaline solution. Additionally, an in-depth discussion of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy gives advice and insight into this surface-sensitive technique and several practical examples are discussed.

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