Atomic-Scale Catalysis for Improved Proton Transfer in the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Provider

Czech Science Foundation

Programme

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Call for proposals

SGA0202600005

Main participants

Univerzita Karlova / Matematicko-fyzikální fakulta

Contest type

VS - Public tender

Contract ID

26-23145O

Project name in Czech

Atomic-Scale Catalysis for Improved Proton Transfer in the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Annotation in Czech

Metal doping of RuO₂-based OER electrocatalysts is a promising strategy to improve reaction kinetics. The beneficial effect is attributed to M dopants forming M–O–Ru sites, where the dopant modulates local Brønsted acidity and proton transfer at bridging O. However, understanding of this mechanism remains limited, as current insights rely on indirect evidence due to challenges in probing nanoparticulate electrocatalyst surfaces with atomic resolution. This project addresses this gap by fabricating atomically flat, metal-doped RuO₂ model surfaces and characterizing them using atomic-scale surface science techniques. These same surfaces will be studied for their (de)protonation behavior and OER activity. By correlating structural and electronic descriptors with the physicochemical properties of M–O–Ru sites under reaction conditions, we aim to uncover how doping influences Brønsted acidity and proton transfer, thereby refining the design principles for next-generation OER catalysts.

R&D category

ZV - Basic research

OECD FORD - main branch

10302 - Condensed matter physics (including formerly solid state physics, supercond.)

OECD FORD - secondary branch

10405 - Electrochemistry (dry cells, batteries, fuel cells, corrosion metals, electrolysis)

OECD FORD - another secondary branch

10403 - Physical chemistry

CEP - equivalent branches <br>(according to the <a href="http://www.vyzkum.cz/storage/att/E6EF7938F0E854BAE520AC119FB22E8D/Prevodnik_oboru_Frascati.pdf">converter</a>)

BM - Solid-state physics and magnetism<br>CF - Physical chemistry and theoretical chemistry<br>CG - Electrochemistry

Realization period - beginning

Jan 1, 2026

Realization period - end

Dec 31, 2028

Project status

Z - Beginning multi-year project

Latest support payment

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Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Data delivery code

CEP26-GA0-GN-R

Data delivery date

May 4, 2026

Total approved costs

5,441 thou. CZK

Public financial support

4,985 thou. CZK

Other public sources

0 thou. CZK

Non public and foreign sources

456 thou. CZK