Title: Aqueous Electrochemistry of Hydrous Transition Metal Oxides

Abstract: Transition metal oxides are an important class of redox-active electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices operating in aqueous electrolytes. In such conditions, many transition metal oxides will interact with water molecules, protons, and cations to form hydrous oxides, materials that blur the distinction between solid and liquid. In this seminar, I will discuss results from our group that aim to answer fundamental questions about the behavior of hydrous, layered transition metal oxides in aqueous electrolytes: (1) Where does the electric double layer end and intercalation begin? (2) Do inserted protons transport along confined structural water networks? and (3) Is proton insertion coincidental or necessary to catalyze the hydrogen evolution reaction? Together, these results inform the understanding of electrochemical interfaces, ion and proton insertion kinetics, and surface catalytic activity of hydrous transition metal oxides in aqueous electrolytes for energy storage and conversion.