Subproject C04 is part of the DFG Collaborative Research Centre CataLight and focuses on the detailed investigation of light-driven catalytic processes at two-dimensional catalyst interfaces. The aim is to systematically correlate electrochemical activity with structural properties on the nanoscale in order to gain a deeper mechanistic understanding.

Central to the project is the combination of electrochemical scanning probe microscopy with tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. This approach enables the acquisition of spatially and temporally resolved information on the light-driven reactivity of model matrices for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the water oxidation reaction (WOC). Particular attention is paid to the influence of local inhomogeneities—such as variations in the distribution of photosensitizers (PS) and catalysts (CAT)—on membrane performance.

Another key focus is the analysis of degradation mechanisms of the matrices and their functional components at the molecular level. To this end, in situ and operando measurements under illumination are carried out. These experiments provide new insights into the behaviour of 2D carbon nanomembranes as well as nanoporous block copolymer membranes functionalized with molecular photosensitizers and catalysts.

The project is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (project number 364549901).