The conversion of CO₂ into desirable multicarbon products via the electrochemical reduction reaction holds promise to achieve a circular carbon economy. Here, we report a strategy in which we modify the surface of bimetallic silver-copper catalyst with aromatic heterocycles such as thiadiazole and triazole derivatives to increase the conversion of CO₂ into hydrocarbon molecules. By combining operando Raman and X-ray absorption spectroscopy with electrocatalytic measurements and analysis of the reaction products, we identified that the electron withdrawing nature of functional groups orients the reaction pathway towards the production of C₂₊ species (ethanol and ethylene) and enhances the reaction rate on the surface of the catalyst by adjusting the electronic state of surface copper atoms. As a result, we achieve a high Faradaic efficiency for the C₂₊ formation of ≈80% and full-cell energy efficiency of 20.3% with a specific current density of 261.4 mA cm⁻² for C₂₊ products.

The electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) database has been completely rewritten, with an improved design, user interface, and a number of new tools. The database is accessible at https://eelsdb.eu/ and can now be used without registration. The submission process has been streamlined to encourage spectrum submissions and the new design gives greater emphasis on contributors’ original work by highlighting their papers. With numerous new filters and a powerful search function, it is now simple to explore the database of several hundred EELS and XAS spectra. Interactive plots allow spectra to be overlaid, facilitating online comparison. An application-programming interface has been created, allowing external tools and software to easily access the information held within the database. In addition to the database itself, users can post and manage job adverts and read the latest news and events regarding the EELS and XAS communities. In accordance with the ongoing drive toward open access data increasingly demanded by funding bodies, the database will facilitate open access data sharing of EELS and XAS spectra.

Dielectric properties of $\alpha${}-MoO${}_{3}$ are investigated by a combination of valence electron-energy-loss spectroscopy and ab initio calculation at the random-phase approximation level with the inclusion of local-field effects (LFE). A meticulous comparison between experimental and calculated spectra is performed in order to interpret calculated dielectric properties. The dielectric function of MoO${}_{3}$ has been obtained along the three axes and the importance of LFE has been shown. In particular, taking into account LFE is shown to be essential to describe properly the intensity and position of the Mo-${N}_{2,3}$ edges as well as the low-energy part of the spectrum. A detailed study of the energy-loss function in connection with the dielectric response function also shows that the strong anisotropy of the energy-loss function of $\alpha${}-MoO${}_{3}$ is driven by an anisotropic influence of LFE. These LFE significantly dampen a large peak in $\epsilon${}${}_{2}$, but only along the [010] direction. Thanks to a detailed analysis at specific $k$ points of the orbitals involved in this transition, the origin of this peak has not only been evidenced but a connection between the inhomogeneity of the electron density and the anisotropic influence of local-field effects has also been established. More specifically, this anisotropy is governed by a strongly inhomogeneous spatial distribution of the empty states. This depletion of the empty states is localized around the terminal oxygens and accentuates the electron inhomogeneity.