We are pleased to announce the launch of a collaborative project between Leiden Probe Microscopy, VSParticle, and Leiden University supported by Kansen voor West and the European Union. This initiative focuses on developing a next-generation Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscope (EC-STM) to advance our understanding of catalytic processes at the nanoscale under realistic operating conditions.
Project objectives
The new EC-STM will enable researchers to probe catalytic activity at the nanoparticle level, offering unprecedented insights into how nanomaterials used in green hydrogen production behave and evolve under operating conditions. Bridging the gap between ideal laboratory samples and application-oriented catalysts is essential for designing, validating and deploying new materials. EC-STM provides this capability: enabling real-time, operando, nanoscale observation of surface restructuring and degradation processes.
The partners
This project brings together complementary expertise:
- Leiden Probe Microscopy for the development of advanced EC-STM instrumentation
- Leiden University where the EC-STM will be installed, for fundamental research in electrochemistry
- VSParticle with cutting-edge nanoparticle coating technology
Scientific and technological impact
Electrochemistry underpins critical technologies such as batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers, cornerstones of the global transition to sustainable energy. Understanding reaction mechanisms at the atomic level is vital for designing catalysts that are efficient, durable, and cost-effective. The EC-STM developed during this project is aimed at being accessible for electrochemists in various application fields, not only for green hydrogen but also other energy conversion processes, energy storage or corrosion studies.
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