Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a groundbreaking technology for the rapid assessment of durability and identification of degradation mechanisms in hydrogen fuel cell catalysts. Published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the study focuses on addressing the structural damage and catalyst loss that cause performance decline in fuel cells. The new technique, electrochemical liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (e-LCTEM), enables real-time monitoring of catalyst degradation processes in high resolution, allowing for efficient evaluation and verification of catalyst durability at the nanometer scale. This breakthrough accelerates durability testing from tens of thousands of kilometers to just hours, reducing costs and enhancing the understanding of catalyst behavior. By studying the degradation mechanism of platinum nanoparticle-carbon support hybrid catalysts, the research team identified that the size of platinum nanoparticles plays a crucial role in their mobility and stability. The findings provide valuable insights for improving catalyst design and enhancing the longevity of fuel cells, crucial for their commercial viability. Professor Jungwon Park and the interdisciplinary team aim to advance clean energy technologies through their innovative approach.