Applicant: Davit Davtyan
Home institution: A. B. Nalbandyan Institute of Chemical Physics NAS RA
Host institution: Institute for Catalysis and Petroleum Chemistry (CSIC)
STSM title: Training in Operando Characterization Methodologies for the Investigation of Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts
Dates: 7–15 September 2026
Understanding electrocatalysts under working conditions through operando characterization!
As part of the EU-CONCERT COST Action (CA24103), Davit Davtyan undertook a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) from 7 to 15 September 2026 at the Institute of Catalysis and Petroleum Chemistry (CSIC), under the supervision of Dr. María Victoria Martínez Huerta.
The mission focused on practical training in electrochemical and operando Raman spectroelectrochemical methodologies for investigating electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) under alkaline conditions.
The activities included electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), combined with operando Raman measurements using a commercial electrochemical Raman cell. Several transition-metal carbide catalysts developed at the Institute of Chemical Physics NAS RA, including NiMo₂C, CuMo₂C, VC, and ReBr₂B₄C, were investigated alongside NiFe-based model OER catalysts provided by the host institution. Particular attention was given to monitoring catalyst surface evolution and oxidation under operating conditions, as well as understanding temperature-dependent changes through operando Raman spectroscopy.
The STSM provided valuable hands-on experience in combining electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques to gain deeper insights into catalyst behaviour under realistic operating conditions. It also strengthened scientific exchange and collaboration between the participating institutions.
Building on the outcomes of this mission, plans were established to further investigate newly developed catalysts from the Institute of Chemical Physics NAS RA at the host laboratory, paving the way for joint research activities and the preparation of a scientific publication.
EU-CONCERT is pleased to support international research mobility, specialised training, and the development of collaborative research through its STSM programme.
