There is growing recognition that not only electrocatalysts but also electrolytes play a decisive role in governing surface electrocatalytic reactions. Consequently, understanding the electrolyte-electrode interface under realistic operating conditions has become essential for the rational design of active and durable electrochemical systems. Over the past decades, significant efforts have been devoted to developing spectroscopic and imaging techniques capable of capturing chemical and structural dynamics at electrified interfaces.
In this talk, we introduce operando surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) as a powerful, laboratory-based approach for probing electrochemical interfaces with molecular-level sensitivity. We present recent insights into interfacial structures and reaction environments during key electrochemical processes, including water splitting, electrochemical CO2 reduction, and Li-mediated nitrogen reduction.
By elucidating the coupled roles of catalysts and electrolytes, operando SEIRAS reveals new design parameters for tuning interfacial reaction environments, enabling enhanced activity and stability in energy conversion systems. In addition, practical considerations and experimental guidelines for implementing operando SEIRAS will be discussed, providing a foundation for researchers seeking to apply this technique to their own electrochemical systems.
Bio: Yu Katayama is an Associate Professor at the SANKEN (Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), The University of Osaka. His research focuses on operando and in situ characterization of electrochemical interfaces, aiming to elucidate fundamental reaction mechanisms and guide the rational design of advanced materials for energy storage and conversion systems. His work particularly emphasizes molecular-level insights into electrified interfaces using advanced spectroscopic techniques. Prior to joining the University of Osaka in March 2022, he served as an Assistant Professor at Yamaguchi University. He also conducted research as a postdoctoral associate (2017) and visiting student (2016–2017) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received his M.Eng. (2015) and Ph.D. (2017) in Engineering from Kyoto University. His contributions to electrochemistry and operando spectroscopy have been recognized by several awards, including the MEXT Prize for Young Scientists and the MASAO HORIBA Awards. He currently serves as Vice-Chair of Division 3 of the International Society of Electrochemistry and Editor of Applied Surface Science.
