In industrial electrochemical systems such as water and CO2 electrolysers, reactions must occur at very high rates inside a tiny reaction zone only tens of micrometres thick. In membrane–electrode assemblies, where electrodes directly contact the ion-exchange membrane, this confined space leads to strong local variations in ion concentration, water availability, pH, and reaction intermediates. These highly uneven local conditions—what we call the reaction microenvironment—strongly influence efficiency, selectivity, and durability.

Our lab studies how these microenvironments form and how they shape overall device performance. By combining advanced diagnostics with tailored materials and interface design, we aim to control the reaction microenvironment to enable cleaner, faster, and more stable electrochemical processes.

Funding support: ARC Discovery Project