Evan Wenbo Zhao
Assistant Professor
NMReChem Group
Magnetic Resonance Research Center
Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen
Date: November 13, 2024
Time: 1000–1100h ET
Magnetic resonance methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), are non-invasive, atom-specific, quantitative, and capable of probing liquid and solid state samples. These features make magnetic resonance ideal tools for operando measurement of an electrochemical device, and for establishing structure-function relationships under realistic conditions.
The first part of the talk presents how coupled inline NMR and EPR methods were developed and applied to unravel rich electrochemistry in organic molecule-based redox flow batteries. Case studies performed on low-cost and compact benchtop systems are reviewed, demonstrating that a benchtop NMR has sufficient spectral and temporal resolution for studying degradation reaction mechanisms, monitoring the state of charge, and crossover phenomena in a working RFB. The second part of the talk presents new in situ NMR methods for studying Li-mediated ammonia synthesis, and the direct observation of lithium plating and its concurrent corrosion, nitrogen splitting on lithium metal, and protonolysis of lithium nitride. Based on these insights, potential strategies to optimize the efficiencies and rates of Li-mediated ammonia synthesis are discussed. The goal is to demonstrate that operando NMR and EPR methods are powerful and general
An interactive Q&A session follows the presentation.
Benefits of attending the webinar
Learn about:
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Coupling NMR and EPR measurements with electrochemistry;
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How inline NMR and EPR methods can be applied to study redox flow batteries and what type of molecular-level information can be obtained;
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How in situ NMR can be applied to study Li-mediated ammonia synthesis and to unravel reaction mechanisms.
Presenter
Evan Wenbo Zhao is a tenured Assistant Professor at the Magnetic Resonance Research Center at Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen. His core research focuses on developing operando/in situ NMR methods for studying electrochemical storage and conversion chemistries, including redox flow batteries, electrochemical ammonia synthesis, carbon dioxide reduction, and lignin oxidation. Prof. Zhao has led projects funded by the Dutch Research Council Open Competition Program, Bruker Collaboration, Radboud-Glasgow Collaboration Grants, the Mitacs Globalink Research Award, and others. After receiving his BS from Nanyang Technological University, he completed a PhD in Chemistry with Prof. Clifford Russell Bowers at the University of Florida. Prof. Zhao’s postdoc was with Prof. Dame Clare Grey at the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge.
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