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.

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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
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article

Defect-Driven Electrochemical Domain Modulation in Prussian Blue Revealed by Single-Entity Analysis

Heekwon Lee, Tao Yang, Hang Ren, Xun Zhan et al.
3 citations
Journal of the American Chemical Society
Electrochemical Analysis and Applications
1.55
article

Defect-Driven Electrochemical Domain Modulation in Prussian Blue Revealed by Single-Entity Analysis

Heekwon Lee, Tao Yang, Hang Ren, Xun Zhan, Yufei Wang, He Zhang, Lei Pan
article en
3 citations

Abstract

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.

Journal of the American Chemical SocietyVol. 147(45)
Center of Research and Technologic Development in Electrochemistry (MX), The University of Texas at Austin (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 16%
Electrochemical Analysis and Applications
1.55
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