Defect-Driven Electrochemical Domain Modulation in Prussian Blue Revealed by Single-Entity Analysis
Electrochemical domains, defined as the spatial region of the electrode material where charge transfer occurs, are central to charge storage and electrocatalysis. In Prussian Blue (PB), a prototypical mixed-valence framework, these domains extend throughout the three-dimensional lattice and are shaped by structural accessibility and defect distribution. However, ensemble measurements obscure this spatial heterogeneity, averaging local variations in the electrochemical behavior. Here, we apply single-entity electrochemistry to individual PB nanocubes to resolve electrochemical domain behavior during K<sup>+</sup> insertion and H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> reduction. Correlative electron microscopy and electrochemical analysis reveal a defect-driven reversal in function: smaller nanocubes exhibit a greater volumetric capacity for K<sup>+</sup> storage, whereas larger nanocubes show greater catalytic activity for H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> reduction. This contrast originates from the dual role of structural defects, which limit ion-accessible volume by disrupting lattice connectivity and simultaneously expose coordinatively unsaturated Fe sites that promote catalytic activity. Our findings establish a mechanistic framework that connects structure, electrochemical domain accessibility, and function, demonstrating the power of integrating single-particle electrochemistry with high-resolution structural imaging in resolving spatially heterogeneous interfacial processes in redox-active materials.
Authors
- Heekwon Lee (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0648-7898)
- Tao Yang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4090-8497)
- Hang Ren (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9480-8881)
- Xun Zhan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7313-7118)
- Yufei Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5780-112X)
- He Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5873-1475)
- Lei Pan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4356-8283)
Institutions
- Center of Research and Technologic Development in Electrochemistry (MX)
- The University of Texas at Austin (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of the American Chemical Society
- Published
- 2025-10-28
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c13179
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Electrochemical Analysis and Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.55