This project is being implemented in collaboration with Chinese research teams and opens up new horizons for the development of effective catalysts and technologies in the field of electrocatalysis.

Synchrotron centers are unique scientific complexes that use powerful synchrotron radiation to conduct research in a wide variety of fields of science and technology. These centers allow obtaining ultra-precise data on the structure and properties of materials at the atomic level, which is indispensable for the development of new materials, medical technologies, as well as for deep research in the fields of physics, chemistry and biology. Synchrotron radiation opens the door to innovation, helping to solve complex problems, from the creation of effective catalysts to the development of new therapies.

Currently, there are five synchrotron centers in the Russian Federation at the stage of modernization, design and construction (SKIF, SILA, RIF, Kurchatov Synchrotron Center and the synchrotron Center in Zelenograd). Synchrotron centers of the fourth generation generate significantly higher intensity synchrotron radiation beams and open up the possibility of conducting experiments with high temporal resolution. However, to implement experiments with high time resolution on new synchrotrons, the development of appropriate techniques is required, which is the purpose of the new SFedU project "Investigation of mechanisms of multielectronic oxygen reduction reactions using in situ synchrotron methods", which won the fourth joint competition of the Russian Science Foundation (RNF) and the State Foundation for Natural Sciences of China (NSFC).

"The urgency of timely solving this problem is due to the need to develop and test new experimental and analytical methods simultaneously with the creation of Russian synchrotron centers. The transition to the introduction of modern experimental techniques simultaneously with the launch of Russian synchrotron centers necessitates the preliminary testing of the developed techniques on modern synchrotrons of the third and fourth generation. The possibility of expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with Chinese teams at modern third– and fourth-generation synchrotron centers commissioned in China is of additional relevance," said Mikhail Soldatov, project leader, Associate Professor at the SFedU International Research Institute of Intelligent Materials, Candidate of Physico-Mathematical Sciences.

The project focuses on using synchrotron radiation with microsecond resolution to monitor oxygen reduction reactions, which will help understand the mechanisms of chemical processes at the atomic and molecular levels. The research will be conducted at megascience-class synchrotron facilities, including the latest third- and fourth-generation synchrotron centers, which will achieve unique accuracy and detail.

The main goal of the research is to create new methods for microsecond experiments using synchrotron radiation. Scientists will be able to accurately monitor the behavior of electrocatalytic reactions in real time, which will enable us to develop a new generation of catalysts, significantly increasing their efficiency.

Special attention will be paid to the creation of unique in situ cells and a fast electronics system that will ensure continuous monitoring of X-ray absorption and infrared spectroscopy spectra. This will allow real-time monitoring of changes in the structure of the catalysts and their activity.

"The development of neural networks and machine learning algorithms for spectral data analysis is also an important part of the project," Mikhail Soldatov added. "Using such technologies will help us quickly and accurately interpret experimental results and identify key patterns, which will accelerate the process of developing new catalysts for sustainable energy technologies."

The national significance of the project lies in its potential to accelerate the creation of efficient electrocatalysts, which can play a key role in the development of environmentally friendly and resource-efficient energy, as well as in the creation of new energy sources and methods of its storage. This project not only contributes to the development of Russian science, but also strengthens cooperation with China, where modern synchrotron installations also operate.

"We are grateful to the Russian Science Foundation for the opportunity to actively involve students and postgraduates in the implementation of an international project. I think this is very important, because within ten years several new synchrotron centers will start operating in Russia, and we must prepare a decent solution to personnel issues right now.

In some ways, we see new materials for energy generation and conservation - catalysts – as a by-product of the project, but no less important. Highly qualified personnel will also be needed to develop and scale technologies for the production of new catalysts and the introduction of new technologies in the energy sector. Starting the implementation of the Russian Science Foundation project, we aim to contribute to the implementation of the strategy of scientific and technological development of our country," said Mikhail Soldatov, Project Manager.