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A phase-resolved analysis of NiO-derived materials relevant to the oxygen evolution reaction, combining ground-state DFT + U calculations with operando and in situ Raman spectroscopy is presented. It demonstrates that the computed vibrational and electronic properties serve as reference points, enabling meaningful correlation with the Raman response of structurally complex, electrochemically conditioned catalysts. By systematically dissecting the signatures of NiO, Ni(OH)2, and NiOOH across distinct crystallographic configurations, they have developed a consistent framework that correlates different NiO phases relevant to the OER, clarifying their metastability.

Now online

This work highlights the critical role of the metal support layer in modulating the electrocatalytic behavior of NiO thin films for the oxygen evolution reaction. Through comparative analysis of Pt, Au, and Ni support metals, we demonstrate that the interfacial electronic structure governed by band alignment, charge transfer resistance, and surface chemistry directly impacts the kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of OER activity.

Awardees: Jan Philipp Hofmann, Bettina Wagner, and Corinna Caspar-Terizakis

Recognizing their efforts in systematically supporting doctoral scientists, the Unite! award was addressed to Jan Philipp Hofmann, Bettina Wagner, and Corinna Caspar-Terizakis from TU Darmstadt.

Jan Philipp Hofmann, Bettina Wagner and Corinna Caspar-Terizakis

An alliance like Unite! requires a great deal of commitment and dedication. This year's winners of the Unite! Awards have done so in a particularly remarkable way. Jan Philipp Hofmann, Bettina Wagner and Corinna Caspar-Terizakis from TU Darmstadt received the Unite! Award for their contribution to promoting young scientists.

We congratulate Chris for successfully passing his doctoral examination!

On August 26, 2025, Chris confidently defended his doctoral project titled 'Electronic Structure Studies of Nickel iron Based Anodes for Alkaline Water Electrolysis' in front of the examination committee. For his future endeavors we wish him all the best.

We congratulate Julia for successfully passing her doctoral defense

In her successful examination on 26.08.2025, Julia defended her doctoral work on the 'Spectroscopic Analysis of the Formation, Stability, and Transformations of Nickel-based Catalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction'. We wish her only the best for the future career.

Our congratulations go to Max for his successful doctoral examination

In his successful defense on 08.07.2025, Max presented his doctoral work: 'Charge Compensation Mechanisms and Interphase Chemistry of Nickel-rich Lithium-ion Cathode Materials Studied by Photoelectron Spectroscopy'. All the best for the future career.

We are happy to congratulate Chuanmu for his successful doctoral defence

In a successful examination on 10.02.2025, Chuanmu defended his doctoral thesis with the topic: 'Spinel and Perovskite-based Transition Metal Oxide Single Crystal Model Catalysts for Electrochemical Water Oxidation'

Reception in our new laboratories

The Surface Science Laboratory was able to move a majority of its offices and laboratories to the freshly refurbished C-tower of L2|02 in the past months. The freshly renovated building features not only sufficient space for efficient work but also advanced laboratory infrastructure to enable novel experiments. Meticulous planning for this moment has been ongoing for more then ten years. To celebrate the milestone of having moved entirely and having all instruments running, we invited helpers and collaboration partners alike.