Prof. Dr. Olga Kasian

The main research focus of the group is placed on the materials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. We aim at understanding of the structure-function relationships in electrocatalysis and dynamic transformations of the catalytic surfaces under the reaction conditions. The group explores structural and compositional changes of model electrode surfaces induced by the electrocatalytic reactions and their impact on the mechanism and kinetics. This is achieved by combination of various ex situ and in situ methods. 

The major research task is to provide a detailed mechanistic understanding of chemical processes ongoing at complex and dynamic interfaces, with a special focus on electrocatalysis for energy conversion and storage, aiming to overcome stability limits of the catalyst materials. 

The scope of methods includes variety of physical vapor deposition techniques, advanced electrochemical characterization methods, atom probe tomography and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy including synchrotron based methods.