Overview
The Moreno-Hernandez lab is a multidisciplinary group focused on understanding electrochemical materials to advance renewable energy technologies and create a sustainable future. Their primary tool is liquid cell transmission electron microscopy, a technique that enables direct observations of the structural dynamics of materials in real time and at near-atomic resolution in a realistic liquid environment. They complement this technique with a wide set of analytical techniques and materials synthesis methods that enable the characterization and synthesis of materials with nanoscale precision. This combination enables systematic studies of the relationship between nanoscale structure and macroscale properties. In addition to their research efforts, the Moreno-Hernandez lab aims to create an inclusive environment that embraces the lived experiences of each group member and provides support for ongoing personal growth.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
·
2022 - Present
Chemistry,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Recent Publications
Understanding Electrochemical Degradation via Liquid Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy
Journal Article Journal of Physical Chemistry C · January 1, 2025 Electrochemical energy technologies will play a critical role in the worldwide transition to renewable energy. The fundamental electrochemical transformations that drive these technologies rely on materials that facilitate electron transfer at complex mate ... Full text CiteToward One-Way Smoke: Synthesis of Copper-Based Microclubs with Asymmetric Scattering and Absorption
Journal Article Advanced Functional Materials · July 17, 2024 The ultimate goal of this work is to create an engineered aerosol that acts as one-way smoke, i.e. it creates an asymmetric vision environment in which the ability to image objects depends on the viewing direction. To this end, a rapid, one-pot synthesis o ... Full text CiteDissolution Heterogeneity Observed in Anisotropic Ruthenium Dioxide Nanocrystals via Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy.
Journal Article Journal of the American Chemical Society · April 2024 Noble metal oxides such as ruthenium dioxide are highly active electrocatalysts for anodic reactions in acidic electrolytes, but dissolution during electrochemical operation impedes wide-scale applications in renewable energy technologies. Improving the fu ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
CAREER: Harnessing Chemistry and Disorder to Activate Oxygen Electrocatalysis
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2025 - 2029Direct Observation of Structural Dynamics at Single Nanocrystal Electrocatalyst/Polymer Electrolyte Interfaces with Liquid Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by American Chemical Society · 2025 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
California Institute of Technology ·
2019
Ph.D.
University of Nebraska, Lincoln ·
2014
B.Sc.