A snapshot review on utilizing radiolysis in electrochemical liquid phase electron microscopy for accelerated degradation analyses

Morales AL, Körner A, Fritsch B, De Salvo G, Mayrhofer KJ, Cherevko S, Hutzler A (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Abstract

Live imaging of electrochemical processes using electrochemical liquid phase electron microscopy (EC-LP-EM) setups is a cutting-edge research field, enabling insights into the dynamic behavior of the electrode–electrolyte interface at the nanoscale. Yet, size constraints in EC-LP-EM chips used for analyses add significant complexity, considering electrode architectures, mass transport properties, and operation. Additionally, radiolysis induced by electron probe–electrolyte interactions interferes with electrochemical signals. This snapshot review summarizes fundamental electrochemical concepts and how experimental observations are affected by the introduced radiolysis. Furthermore, we highlight studies that handled beam effects, obtaining in situ electrochemical data consistent with non-irradiated or ex situ counterparts. Instead of discussing artifacts, we propose ways for harnessing radiolysis to tailor harsher environments for accelerated stress tests (AST) to study degradation mechanisms of energy materials. This might aid particularly in the understanding and development of improved materials for electrochemical energy conversion devices, i.e., batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers. Graphic Abstract: (Figure presented.)

Authors with CRIS profile

Birk Fritsch

Involved external institutions

Forschungszentrum Jülich / Research Centre Jülich (FZJ)

Germany (DE) Université de Nantes

France (FR)

How to cite

APA:

Morales, A.L., Körner, A., Fritsch, B., De Salvo, G., Mayrhofer, K.J., Cherevko, S., & Hutzler, A. (2025). A snapshot review on utilizing radiolysis in electrochemical liquid phase electron microscopy for accelerated degradation analyses. MRS Advances. https://doi.org/10.1557/s43580-025-01393-7

MLA:

Morales, A. Lucía, et al. "A snapshot review on utilizing radiolysis in electrochemical liquid phase electron microscopy for accelerated degradation analyses." MRS Advances (2025).

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