Combinatorial electrochemistry – Processing and characterization for materials discovery

Abstract

Combinatorial materials science is a research methodology for accelerating the pace of materials discovery and optimization. This article reviews issues in combinatorial processing of materials for, and characterization of materials by, electrochemical methods. In particular the emphasis is on the discovery of electrocatalysts for energy uses, including batteries, fuel cells, and related applications. The article also discusses issues in analyzing and using the data obtained from such experiments. Finally, it is emphasized that for most applications it is necessary to confirm results obtained by rapid screening with more traditional approaches on bulk samples in “real world” environments.