The substitution of critical raw materials (CRMs) in electrochemical technologies requires a paradigm shift toward accelerated, data-driven material discovery. Material Acceleration Platforms (MAPs) embody this transformation by integrating simulation-based pre-screening, proxy experiments for rapid lead generation, and upscaling/technology assessment into a unified, closed-loop workflow. This approach enables swift progression from computational predictions to experimental validation, ensuring that promising candidates are not only identified but advanced to device-level testing and comprehensive characterization without delay. Furthermore, they offer testbeds for inverse design, where the application-relevant properties drive the design and down-selection process instead of the definition of an ideal material composition or microstructure target.

MAPs are uniquely suited for multi-objective optimization, addressing the quaternity of performance, durability, sustainability and feasibility and are thus a natural fit for Pareto optimization strategies. They can explore large parameter spaces efficiently while embedding additional metrics alongside functional performance. Our MAP implementations focus on advanced materials for energy conversion (water splitting, CO₂ and nitrate reduction) and corrosion protection technologies. Automated workflows enable electrodeposition of thin alloy films, followed by electrochemical screening for stability and activity under technologically relevant conditions. For the lead generation we have established application-tailored proxy electrochemical testing sequences. Crucially, the success of MAPs depends on automated data analysis pipelines supported by trustworthy, standardized workflows and rich metadata. These elements form the backbone of autonomous experimentation.

This presentation will summarize the design and construction phases of our MAPs, their constituent modules and workflows. It will also include deep dives into examples on Pareto optimization and evaluation of proxy electrochemical experiments for MAP-deployment.

The transition of the energy sector toward renewable sources demands environmentally sustainable technologies capable of storing power through the interconversion of chemical and electrical energy. However, scaling up electrochemical devices for energy conversion and storage remains challenging due to the limited efficiency and the insufficient durability of existing electrocatalyst materials [1]. These challenges are particularly pronounced in electrochemical systems operating under corrosive acidic conditions, where long-term stability and high activity can typically be achieved only with platinum-group metals (PGMs). Consequently, scarce and costly Pt- and Ir-based catalysts continue to dominate applications such as acidic water electrolysis and fuel cells. To enable widespread use, electrochemical energy-conversion technologies must employ strategies that lower noble-metal content yet preserve activity and stability. Achieving this requires a deep understanding of how the nature of active sites, their reactivity, and their degradation pathways are interrelated, ideally at the atomic scale [2-4].

In this talk, the feasibility of lowering PGM content while preserving key functional properties will be discussed with emphasis on Pt alloys and Ir-based mixed oxide electrocatalysts. Particular attention is given to the evolution of the structure and composition of the outermost atomic layers under polarization in acidic electrolytes. Temporal transformations of the active layer are elucidated through a combination of advanced electrochemical techniques, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atom probe tomography. Strategies for stabilizing active sites at the electrode surface are discussed. Altogether, these insights advance the understanding of structure–function relationships in electrocatalysis and support the design of new, active, and durable materials with reduced PGM content.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) remain the most efficient rechargeable technology on the market, yet improving their energy density, durability, sustainability and safety is critical for meeting future energy demands. A key challenge is reducing dependence on critical raw materials such as cobalt and nickel while maintaining high performance. Spinel-type cathodes like LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ (LNMO) offer high operating voltage and structural stability and, importantly, are cobalt-free, making them attractive for next-generation energy storage. However, their practical implementation requires a deeper understanding of how composition and crystallographic features (such as cation disorder and Ni deficiency) impact electrochemical behavior.

To further advance CRM substitution, LiFe_0.5Mn_1.5O (LFMO) emerges as a promising alternative that is both nickel- and cobalt-free, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. This material combines high voltage operation with a theoretical capacity of 148 mAh·g⁻¹, but its performance strongly depends on controlling antisite defects and optimizing synthesis conditions.

In this contribution, we present a high-throughput experimental approach to accelerate the discovery and optimization of these spinel systems. We have developed an autonomous synthesis platform that can prepare multiple samples in parallel, enabling systematic screening of synthetic parameters. This approach accelerates material optimization and supports CRM substitution through advanced design and characterization.

Zn/air batteries (ZABs) have recently gained renewed interest due to the European policy of critical material replacement in technological areas such as energy storage, with the need for cost-effective and lightweight (high power density) energy storage technologies. One of the historical drawbacks of ZABs is the difficulty of recharging, which is intrinsically linked to the necessary oxygen evolution reaction. Hence, bifunctional electrocatalysts allowing for efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are required.

 In this context, metal oxides such as perovskites have emerged as promising bifunctional electrocatalysts. Moreover, multication compositions such as A(B1_x1B2_x2…Bn_xn)O₃ have shown synergistic effects (so-called “cocktail effect”) leading to improved performances over simple perovskites as bifunctional electrocatalysts.

We synthesized LaCoO₃ (S_conf = 0) and medium-entropy La(Co_0.6Mn_0.1Fe_0.1Al_0.1Ni_0.1)O₃ (S_conf = 1.23 R) perovskites by a simple solvent-free mechanochemical synthesis. ORR and OER in basic medium are examined using both catalysts, showing substantially lower overpotentials and higher activity for the multication composition, which also has the benefit of employing less cobalt, which is listed as a critical raw material. Eventually, ZABs are fabricated, demonstrating considerable improvement with the medium-entropy noble-metal-free catalysts and high cycling capabilities with over 400 cycles of operation.[1]

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are promising clean energy technologies that efficiently convert chemical energy into electricity. While reducing cost (by reducing Pt loading) and increasing power density (by improving catalytic activity) remain key objectives, ensuring the long-term durability of PEMFCs, particularly at the cathode, has emerged as a critical challenge. To uncover the fundamental causes of degradation and develop strategies to mitigate performance loss, extensive research has utilized advanced operando analytical techniques, such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS), in conjunction with conventional three-electrode electrochemical cells. These in situ tools have provided valuable insights into time- and potential-resolved metal dissolution and support corrosion—two primary factors driving PEMFC degradation—beyond the limitations of traditional post-mortem analyses. However, these studies typically examine reactions at solid-liquid interfaces, whereas real fuel cells operate at solid-liquid-gas interfaces (i.e., the triple-phase boundary). Key operating conditions such as temperature (room temperature vs. >70 ℃) and reactant chemical potential (millimolar concentrations vs. ~20%) differ significantly between these systems, potentially leading to misinterpretation of degradation mechanisms. In this talk, I will present our comparative studies on operando degradation monitoring of fuel cell cathodes under both reaction environments. Our results underscore the importance of conducting investigations under realistic fuel cell conditions to improve our understanding of catalyst degradation and guide the development of more durable PEMFCs.

The transition to sustainable energy is urgent, and, in this context, metal-air batteries arise as a promising technology for achieving high efficiency and zero emissions. However, these systems relay on the oxygen reactions, which necessitate the use of efficient electrocatalysts due to its slow kinetics.[1-3] Although Pt-based catalysts are benchmark materials for this application, they suffer from high cost and poor durability, driving the need for earth-abundant, stable alternatives.[4] On the other hand, air cathodes require effective operation in a solid–liquid–gas environment, where gas diffusion, electrolyte transport, and electron conduction must be balanced to ensure optimal performance. Structural degradation of the carbon matrix during cycling can weaken the interfacial contact, leading to performance decay.[5] Thus, beyond intrinsic activity, it is essential to build robust, hierarchically porous carbon frameworks with high surface area. Mesopores enhance electrolyte infiltration, expand the active interface, and reduce transport resistance, while multi-scale porosity helps relieve mechanical stress over cycling.[6] Interconnected micro/mesopores around 4–6 nm are particularly desirable for durable oxygen catalysis. 

In this work, the use of Co-doped ZIF-8 as the precursor is proposed. Its N-rich imidazolate ligands facilitate the formation of Co–Nx sites embedded in a conductive carbon matrix after pyrolysis. The framework also ensures molecular-level metal dispersion and allows easy Co incorporation, creating numerous accessible catalytic sites. Moreover, Zn volatilization during pyrolysis generates a self-templating effect, producing extra porosity and improves site exposure. Compared with hard-template or multi-step methods, Co-ZIF-8 routes are simpler, more economical, and sustainable, yet still deliver high surface area and optimized pore structure. By leveraging in-situ assembly of Co/ZIF-8 on a biomass-derived substrate (e.g., CNC) followed by pyrolysis and post-treatment, it is possible to obtain hierarchical carbons with pronounced mesoporosity, rapid transport pathways, and good oxygen catalysis performance in alkaline electrolyte, approaching Pt/C while maintaining good cycling stability. 

In search of replacement of state-of-the-art noble-metal-based electrocatalysts, it’s an emerging topic to understand the stability of noble-metal-free electrocatalysts under operation conditions. This talk shares the perspective on respective cathodic and anodic reactions for fuel cells and electrolyzers.

For proton-/anion- exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs or AEMFCs), atomically dispersed Fe-N-C catalysts are the most promising alternatives to Pt-based catalysts in cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). With regard to the durability of Fe–N–C catalysts in this environment, many questions, such as carbon corrosion, the role of reactive oxygen species, agglomeration of active single Fe atoms, and Fe leaching, remain unanswered. Here a holistic view towards aforementioned issue will be addressed with a demonstration recent experimental insights obtained using gas diffusion electrode (GDE) half-cell setups coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).^{[1- 3]}

The other focus of intrinsic stability of catalysts is the paired anodic reaction in electrolyzers. We draw the attention into dissolution of Co before and under acidic or near-neutral oxygen evolution reaction (OER) from Co-based oxide, an emerging class of non-noble alternative to Ir-based catalysts for water or CO₂ electrolysis, which also directly links to its long-term catalytic activity. ^[4-5] Beyond water oxidation, alcohol-group-enriched biomass derivative reforming, especially glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR), paves another avenue for versatile hydrogen evolution and CO₂ reduction with largely decreased overall cell voltage. Here we also introduced the intrinsic stability of noble-metal-free catalysts under reaction conditions and perspectives on the complex possible mechanisms towards alcohol-group oxidation in alkaline environment.       

The transition toward sustainable energy systems is driving rapid scale-up of water electrolysis and related electrochemical technologies. Today, these systems rely heavily on platinum group metals (PGMs), particularly Ir and Pt, which are classified as Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) due to limited global supply, high cost, and geopolitical vulnerability. Reducing PGM consumption without compromising performance is therefore essential for the long-term commercial viability of green hydrogen production and other electrochemical processes.

Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition (S-ALD) has emerged as a manufacturing approach to address this challenge. S-ALD enables the precise deposition of ultrathin, conformal films (such as IrO₂ and Pt) on high-surface-area electrode architectures. By maximizing surface utilization, these nanoscale catalyst layers provide high intrinsic activity at drastically reduced noble metal loadings. Our work demonstrates that Ir utilization efficiency can be increased by more than an order of magnitude compared with conventional coating techniques, offering a realistic path towards e.g. ultra-low loading proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers.

Looking further, the versatility of ALD opens pathways to next-generation catalyst designs that go beyond CRM minimization into CRM elimination. Tailored ALD processes enable the deposition of PGM-lean or PGM-free catalytic materials with precise control over composition, thickness, and interfacial structure.

In this presentation, we will highlight ALD-based methodologies to reduce or replace CRMs in electrochemical energy systems, present recent performance results for low PGM loading electrolysis and fuel cells and discuss opportunities for scaling S-ALD toward industrial deployment.

The dependence of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers on the precious metal iridium is among the major materials bottlenecks of the green energy transition. Any non-noble substitute would have to be simultaneously stable, conductive and active for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) under the harsh operating conditions of the PEM anode. Catalytic activity is controlled by the surface of the material, which should in principle preclude the use of inert protective overlayers. However, in this work, we show that titanium dioxide surface (TiO2) layers up to several atomic layers thick can reduce dissolution of the underlying material while preserving its activity. We demonstrate this for TiO2 on several underlying non-precious OER catalyst materials, all mixed-metal oxides synthesized by electrodeposition. Density functional theory calculations explain the observation, revealing how, under certain conditions, an overlayer can effectively “channel” the activity of the substrate below to the surface while still providing protection against dissolution. This talk will explore the mechanistic implications and the design paradigms opened up by this phenomenon.

One of the urgent critical raw material (CRM) issues in PEMWE (proton exchange membrane water electrolysis) is the high loading of Iridium as catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). PEMWE technology offers efficient hydrogen production under demanding conditions such as high current densities, high pressures, and varying loads. However, the usage of CRM hinders large scale application of PEMWE because of supply chain issues: there is simply not enough Iridium produced. Iridium is still the catalyst of choice because of the high resistance to acidic and highly oxidative environments within the PEMWE. Ultimately, catalyst loadings should be lowered to <0.2 mg cm^–2 to ensure GW size production of green hydrogen with PEMWE.^[1]

With the currently used catalyst coated membrane (CCM) technology it is difficult to lower have catalyst layers with ultra-low Iridium (<0.1 mg cm^–2) without compromising the catalyst layer’s conductivity.^[2][3] We show how to effectively use the catalyst coated electrode (CCE) concept using spatial atomical layer deposition (sALD, WO2023/287284 A1) technology to coat these electrodes with thin layers of Iridium.^[4][5] We will show that we can utilize loadings as low as 0.01-0.02 mg cm^–2 while retaining up to 76-85% of the performance; achieving a 100-200 times reduction in CRM use compared to state-of-the-art Iridium loadings of 1 up to 2 mg cm^–2 in CCM technology. The performance and durability of these CCEs was validated in a single cell PEMWE setup. Pre-test and post-test characterizations, such as confocal microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, showed the importance of substrate effects on the performance and durability of the catalyst. We will show how, by controlling the PTL morphology, degree of surface oxidation, and catalyst chemistry, CRM usage of PEMWE can be drastically reduced.

Accurately distinguishing oxygen evolution reaction (OER) currents from anodic metal dissolution is essential for accurately evaluating metal electrocatalysts, as both processes often overlap in the transpassive potential region.[1, 2] This study explored multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) as a pathway toward sustainable electrocatalysis by reducing reliance on noble and critical metals. CrCoNi and CrMnFeCoNi alloys are used as model systems to understand how complex compositions behave when OER and dissolution occur simultaneously, providing a benchmark for designing Co-reduced/free variants within the FeCrNi MPEA family.

To quantitatively separate these pathways, we employ an integrated operando approach: tip-substrate voltammetry in scanning electrochemical microscopy (TSV-SECM) for spatially resolved O₂ detection, ICP-MS and UV-Vis spectroscopy for dissolution quantification and chromium speciation, and in-situ electrochemical AFM (EC-AFM) to identify the onset of corrosion and track nanoscale surface evolution. Converting dissolution data into electrochemical charge enables a precise attribution of transpassive currents to either OER or metal dissolution. To further assessmass-transport effects, MPEAs were examined using rotating disk electrode (RDE) methods. Controlled hydrodynamics separate kinetic from diffusion-limited regimes and reveal how dissolution rates, passive-film behavior, and OER activity respond under flow conditions.

Overall, this methodology provides a robust platform for reliably distinguishing catalytic OER performance from corrosion processes while guiding the design of next-generation electrocatalysts that minimize or eliminate Co and other critical and noble metals. Extending these insights to FeCrNi-based systems offers new opportunities for sustainable, high-performance materials capable of operating under technologically relevant anodic conditions.

Increasing demand for fluorine-free membrane materials highlights the urgent need for proton exchange water electrolysis (PEMWE) systems that combine environmental compatibility with high-rate durability. Although fluorinated membranes such as Nafion provide exceptional mechanical and chemical robustness, their long-term deployment is constrained by environmental persistence.^{[1, 2]} Sulfonated aromatic hydrocarbon polymers offer advantages in cost and recyclability, yet their loose chain packing, excessive hydration, and limited durability under industrial current densities remain key challenges.^{[3, 4]}

Here we report an electrochemical reconfiguration strategy for sulfonated aromatic proton membranes, implemented in a practical PEMWE cell using a catalyst-coated-substrate configuration. Under variable-voltage electrochemical operation, the sulfonic groups and aromatic backbones undergo directional rearrangement that forms compact and continuous proton-transport pathways. This structural refinement enhances intermolecular stacking, strengthens mechanical integrity, and markedly suppresses gas permeation. When integrated into PEMWE cells with IrO₂ anodes and Pt/C cathodes, the reconfigured membrane achieves long-term stability of over 4500 h at 1 A/cm² with low voltage decay and hydrogen crossover.

The membrane can also be recast, and reactivated, with recycled membranes retaining more than 80% of their initial performance. Together, these results establish reconfigurable sulfonated aromatic membranes as a compelling fluorine-free platform for high-current proton exchange water electrolysis and point to a new materials design strategy for sustainable hydrogen production.

Large scale green hydrogen production for energy storage is essential to bridge the gap between the fluctuating renewable energy production and the more even energy demand. The most significant bottleneck in green hydrogen production is the scarcity and high cost of iridium oxide electrocatalyst used for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysers. Various attempts are made to find cheaper alternatives. Combinations of non-noble metals in the form of oxides can produce useful alternatives due to their high catalytic activity, however usually these fail to compete with iridium oxide on stability.
One approach to resolve this is to apply a protective layer on top of the catalyst, which increases its stability significantly. The presented experimental work is based on theoretical calculations from Jan Rossmeisl’s group, which suggest that such an overlayer of TiO2 can serve as both a protective layer and an active surface for electrocatalysis. This method necessitates a thin enough layer that the catalyst remains active and conductive, while thick enough to provide dissolution protection. So far, thin film samples synthesised by electrodeposition, with TiO2 overlayers applied by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) have shown improvements in stability, while leaving the activity unaffected within errors for multiple model systems. Building on these results, further work will focus on finding the ideal underlying mixed metal oxide composition, fine tuning it to provide maximal activity with the overlayer, while investigating their effect on the dissolution rate and mechanism.