Scanning electrochemical microscopy in the 21st century. Update 1: five years after

Abstract

This Perspective is an update to our more extensive survey of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) published in 2007. During this time, the SECM field retained its momentum by expanding into new areas and meeting the emerging scientific and technological challenges. Here we focus on most prominent developments such as high-resolution imaging, investigation of structures and processes on the nanoscale, alternative energy applications, and new approaches to solving "real world" problems. The fabrication of novel SECM probes and related theoretical advances are also discussed.

Pseudo-Single-Crystal Electrochemistry on Polycrystalline Electrodes: Visualizing Activity at Grains and Grain Boundaries on Platinum for the Fe2+/Fe3+ Redox Reaction

“…21,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30] An attractive feature of SECCM is that each location on the electrode is only exposed to the electrolyte solution briefly, minimizing electrode fouling 21 and other undesired processes. In contrast to scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), 31,32 which is also powerful for visualizing heterogeneous electrode substrates, [33][34][35][36] SECCM measures the electrochemical processes of interest directly, in a manner that is similar to conventional dynamic electrochemistry, and readily achieves higher spatial resolution.…”

Impact of Adsorption on Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Voltammetry and Implications for Nanogap Measurements

“…[9][10][11][12] The introduction of ultramicroelectrode (UME) techniques from the 1980's onwards has offered many advantages including reduced ohmic effects, fast response times and high mass transport rates under both steady-state and transient conditions. 13,14 Hydrodynamic UMEs 10,11,15,16 and, particularly, the development of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) 9,12,17,18 provide even higher mass transport rates under steady-state conditions.…”

Methods of photoelectrode characterization with high spatial and temporal resolution

“…[49][50][51][52][53] In an SECM experiment an ultramicroelectrode (UME) is used as an electrochemical scanning probe. UMEs are typically metallic disks or rings that are embedded in an insulating material (i.e.…”