Nanoscale Electrochemical Mapping

Electrochemically probing exciton transport in monolayers of two-dimensional semiconductors

Two-dimensional semiconductors (2DSCs) are attractive for a variety of optoelectronic and catalytic applications due to their ability to be fabricated as wide-area, monolayer-thick films and their unique optical and electronic properties which emerge at this scale. One important class of 2DSCs are the transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), which are of particular interest as absorbing layers in ultrathin optoelectronic devices. While TMDs are known to exhibit excellent photovoltaic properties at the bulk level, it is not yet clear how carriers are transported in these materials at thicknesses approaching the monolayer limit, where distinct changes in band structure and the nature of photogenerated carriers occur. Here, it is demonstrated that electrochemical microscopy techniques can be employed as powerful tools for visualizing these processes in 2DSCs, even within individual monolayers. Carrier generation-tip collection scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (CG-TC SECCM), which utilizes spatially-offset optical and pipet-based electrochemical probes to locally generate and detect photogenerated carriers, was applied to visualize carrier generation and transport within well-defined n-WSe₂ samples prepared via mechanical exfoliation. Data from these experiments directly reveal how carrier transport varies within complex 2DSC structures as layer thicknesses approach the monolayer limit. These results not only provide valuable new insights into carrier transport within monolayer TMD materials, but also demonstrate electrochemical imaging to be a powerful, yet underutilized approach for visualizing solid-state processes in semiconducting materials.

Compressed Sensing Image Reconstruction of Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Measurements Carried Out at Ultrahigh Scan Speeds Using Continuous Line Probes

Previous studies on scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) imaging with nonlocal continuous line probes (CLPs) have demonstrated the ability to increase areal imaging rates by an order of magnitude compared to SECM based on conventional ultramicroelectrode (UME) disk electrodes. Increasing the linear scan speed of the CLP during imaging presents an opportunity to increase imaging rates even further but results in a significant deterioration in image quality due to transport processes in the liquid electrolyte. Here, we show that compressed sensing (CS) postprocessing can be successfully applied to CLP-based SECM measurements to reconstruct images with minimal distortion at probe scan rates greatly exceeding the conventional SECM ″speed limit″. By systematically evaluating the image quality of images generated by adaptable postprocessing CS methods for CLP-SECM data collected at varying scan rates, this work establishes a new upper bound for CLP scan rates. While conventional SECM imaging typically uses probe scan speeds characterized by Péclet numbers (Pe) < 1, this study shows that CS postprocessing methods can allow for an accurate image reconstruction for Pe approaching 5, corresponding to an order of magnitude increase in the maximum probe scan speed. This upper limit corresponds to the onset of chaotic convective flows within the electrolyte for the probes investigated in this work, highlighting the importance of considering hydrodynamics in the design of fast-scanning probes.

Electrochemical Impedance Imaging on Conductive Surfaces

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a powerful tool to measure and quantify the system impedance. However, EIS only provides an average result from the entire electrode surface. Here, we demonstrated a reflection impedance microscope (RIM) that allows us to image and quantify the localized impedance on conductive surfaces. The RIM is based on the sensitive dependence between the materials' optical properties, such as permittivity, and their local surface charge densities. The localized charge density variations introduced by the impedance measurements will lead to optical reflectivity changes on electrode surfaces. Our experiments demonstrated that reflectivity modulations are linearly proportional to the surface charge density on the electrode and the measurements show good agreement with the simple free electron gas model. The localized impedance distribution was successfully extracted from the reflectivity measurements together with the Randles equivalent circuit model. In addition, RIM is used to quantify the impedance on different conductive surfaces, such as indium tin oxide, gold film, and stainless steel electrodes. A polydimethylsiloxane-patterned electrode surface was used to demonstrate the impedance imaging capability of RIM. In the end, a single-cell impedance imaging was obtained by RIM.

Characterization of Vegard strain related to exceptionally fast Cu-chemical diffusion in Cu[Formula: see text]Mo[Formula: see text]S[Formula: see text] by an advanced electrochemical strain microscopy method

Electrochemical strain microscopy (ESM) has been developed with the aim of measuring Vegard strains in mixed ionic-electronic conductors (MIECs), such as electrode materials for Li-ion batteries, caused by local changes in the chemical composition. In this technique, a voltage-biased AFM tip is used in contact resonance mode. However, extracting quantitative strain information from ESM experiments is highly challenging due to the complexity of the signal generation process. In particular, electrostatic interactions between tip and sample contribute significantly to the measured ESM signals, and the separation of Vegard strain-induced signal contributions from electrostatically induced signal contributions is by no means a trivial task. Recently, we have published a compensation method for eliminating frequency-independent electrostatic contributions in ESM measurements. Here, we demonstrate the potential of this method for detecting Vegard strain in MIECs by choosing Cu[Formula: see text]Mo[Formula: see text]S[Formula: see text] as a model-type MIEC with an exceptionally high Cu chemical diffusion coefficient. Even for this material, Vegard strains are only measurable around and above room-temperature and with proper elimination of electrostatics. The analyis of the measured Vegards strains gives strong indication that due to a high charge transfer resistance at the tip/interface, the local Cu concentration variations are much smaller than predicted by the local Nernst equation. This suggests that charge transfer resistances have to be analyzed in more detail in future ESM studies.

Mediated Charge Transfer at Nanoelectrodes: A New Approach to Electrochemical Reactivity Mapping and Nanosensing

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is a powerful tool for mapping surface reactivity. Electrochemical mapping of electrocatalytic processes at the nanoscale is, however, challenging because the surface of a nanoelectrode tip is easily fouled by impurities and/or deactivated by products and intermediates of innersphere surface reactions. To overcome this difficulty, we introduce new types of SECM nanotips based on bimolecular electron transfer between the dissolved electroactive species and a redox mediator attached to the surface of a carbon nanoelectrode. A tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium complex, Ru(bpy)₃, that undergoes reversible oxidation/reduction reactions at both positive and negative potentials was used to prepare the SECM nanoprobes for mapping a wide range of electrocatalytic processes through oxidation of H₂, reduction of O₂, and both oxidation and reduction of H₂O₂ at the tip. In addition to high-resolution reactivity mapping and localized kinetic measurements, chemically modified nanoelectrodes can serve as nanosensors for a number of important analytes such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and neurotransmitters.

Glazunov’s electrography—the first electrochemical imaging and the first solid-state electroanalysis

Aleksandr Il’ich Glazunov developed the first electrochemical technique to image the surface of conducting solids giving the technique the name electrography. The electrographic images can mirror the distribution of elements on the surface of solid materials and also the electrochemical activity, caused by variations of “dissolution tension”. Thus, he has established for the first time a kind of spatially resolved electrochemistry. Electrography is also the first direct electroanalytical technique for solid materials. The present paper gives an account of his turbulent life in Russia, Czechoslovakia and Chile, and a discussion of his main scientific achievement, the development of electrography.

Correlative operando microscopy of oxygen evolution electrocatalysts

Transition metal (oxy)hydroxides are promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction^1-3. The properties of these materials evolve dynamically and heterogeneously⁴ with applied voltage through ion insertion redox reactions, converting materials that are inactive under open circuit conditions into active electrocatalysts during operation⁵. The catalytic state is thus inherently far from equilibrium, which complicates its direct observation. Here, using a suite of correlative operando scanning probe and X-ray microscopy techniques, we establish a link between the oxygen evolution activity and the local operational chemical, physical and electronic nanoscale structure of single-crystalline β-Co(OH)₂ platelet particles. At pre-catalytic voltages, the particles swell to form an α-CoO₂H_1.5·0.5H₂O-like structure-produced through hydroxide intercalation-in which the oxidation state of cobalt is +2.5. Upon increasing the voltage to drive oxygen evolution, interlayer water and protons de-intercalate to form contracted β-CoOOH particles that contain Co³⁺ species. Although these transformations manifest heterogeneously through the bulk of the particles, the electrochemical current is primarily restricted to their edge facets. The observed Tafel behaviour is correlated with the local concentration of Co³⁺ at these reactive edge sites, demonstrating the link between bulk ion-insertion and surface catalytic activity.

Scanning Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Microscopy on Finder Grids: Toward Correlative Multitechnique Imaging of Surfaces

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is a powerful technique for mapping surface reactivity and investigating heterogeneous processes on the nanoscale. Despite significant advances in high-resolution SECM and photo-SECM imaging, they cannot provide atomic scale structural information about surfaces. By correlating the SECM images with atomic scale structural and bonding information obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques with one-to-one correspondence, one can elucidate the nature of the active sites and understand the origins of heterogeneous surface reactivity. To enable multitechnique imaging of the same nanoscale portion of the electrode surface, we develop a methodology for using a TEM finder grid as a conductive support in SECM and photo-SECM experiments. In this paper, we present the results of our first nanoscale SECM and photo-SECM experiments on carbon TEM grids, including imaging of semiconductor nanorods.

Micropipet-Based Navigation in a Microvascular Model for Imaging Endothelial Cell Topography Using Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy

Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) has enabled cell surface topography at a high resolution with low invasiveness. However, SICM has not been applied to the observation of cell surfaces in hydrogels, which can serve as scaffolds for three-dimensional cell culture. In this study, we applied SICM for imaging a cell surface in a microvascular lumen reconstructed in a hydrogel. To achieve this goal, we developed a micropipet navigation technique using ionic current to detect the position of a microvascular lumen. Combining this navigation technique with SICM, endothelial cells in a microvascular model and blebs were visualized successfully at the single-cell level. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on visualizing cell surfaces in hydrogels using a SICM. This technique will be useful for furthering our understanding of the mechanism of intravascular diseases.

Solvent Effects on Heterogeneous Rate Constants for Indium Mediated Allylations

Indium mediated allylation is a highly selective tool for synthetic chemists to create carbon-carbon bonds, but the first step, heterogeneous reaction of allyl halides at solid indium surfaces, is still poorly understood. For example, the nature of the solvent dramatically affects the rate of reaction, but solvent choice is often based on empirical experiments. Fundamental kinetic studies are the best way to study this effect, but the determination of heterogeneous rate constants is challenging. In an effort to better understand solvent effects, we use optical microscopy to determine heterogeneous rate constants for IMA in aqueous acetonitrile, methanol, ethanol, and 2-propanol. We fit the reaction rate data over a range of mass transport rates using only two adjustable parameters, the heterogeneous rate constant and the mass transport rate. The results emphasize the critical importance of water in determining the rate of reaction. Surprisingly, the polarity of the organic solvent in the mix does not have a major effect on the rate. It is hypothesized that the oxygen atom in water and alcohols is an especially effective Lewis base to stabilize the transition state and the organoindium intermediates, similar to the importance of the oxygen in ethers for the formation of Grignard reagents. This study again demonstrates the power of microscopy for the study of heterogeneous reactions.

Imaging and Quantifying the Formation of Single Nanobubbles at Single Platinum Nanoparticles during the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

While numerous efforts have been made toward the design of sustainable and efficient nanocatalysts of the hydrogen evolution reaction, there is a need for the operando observation and quantification of the formation of gas nanobubbles (NBs) involved in this electrochemical reaction. It is achieved herein through interference reflection microscopy coupled to electrochemistry and optical modeling. In addition to analyzing the geometry and growth rate of individual NBs at single nanocatalysts, the toolbox offered by superlocalization and quantitative label-free optical microscopy allows analyzing the geometry (contact angle and footprint with surface) of individual NBs and their growth rate. It turns out that, after a few seconds, NBs are steadily growing while they are fully covering the Pt nanoparticles that allowed their nucleation and their pinning on the electrode surface. It then raises relevant questions related to gas evolution catalysts, such as, for example, does the evaluation of NB growth at the single nanocatalyst really reflect its electrochemical activity?

Unveiling the contribution of the reproductive system of individual Caenorhabditis elegans on oxygen consumption by single-point scanning electrochemical microscopy measurements

Metabolic analysis in animals is usually either evaluated as whole-body measurements or in isolated tissue samples. To reveal tissue specificities in vivo, this study uses scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to provide localized oxygen consumption rates (OCRs) in different regions of single adult Caenorhabditis elegans individuals. This is achieved by measuring the oxygen reduction current at the SECM tip electrode and using a finite element method model of the experiment that defines oxygen concentration and flux at the surface of the organism. SECM mapping measurements uncover a marked heterogeneity of OCR along the worm, with high respiration rates at the reproductive system region. To enable sensitive and quantitative measurements, a self-referencing approach is adopted, whereby the oxygen reduction current at the SECM tip is measured at a selected point on the worm and in bulk solution (calibration). Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, our SECM measurements indicate that viable eggs in the reproductive system are the main contributors in the total oxygen consumption of adult Caenorhabditis elegans. The finding that large regional differences in OCR exist within the animal provides a new understanding of oxygen consumption and metabolic measurements, paving the way for tissue-specific metabolic analyses and toxicity evaluation within single organisms.

Characterizing photocatalysts for water splitting: from atoms to bulk and from slow to ultrafast processes

This review provides a comprehensive overview on characterisation techniques for light-driven redox-catalysts highlighting spectroscopic, microscopic, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical approaches.

Nanoscale electrochemistry in a copper/aqueous/oil three-phase system: surface structure-activity-corrosion potential relationships

Practically important metal electrodes are usually polycrystalline, comprising surface grains of many different crystallographic orientations, as well as grain boundaries. In this study, scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) is applied in tandem with co-located electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) to give a holistic view of the relationship between the surface structure and the electrochemical activity and corrosion susceptibility of polycrystalline Cu. An unusual aqueous nanodroplet/oil (dodecane)/metal three-phase configuration is employed, which opens up new prospects for fundamental studies of multiphase electrochemical systems, and mimics the environment of corrosion in certain industrial and automotive applications. In this configuration, the nanodroplet formed at the end of the SECCM probe (nanopipette) is surrounded by dodecane, which acts as a reservoir for oil-soluble species (e.g., O₂) and can give rise to enhanced flux(es) across the immiscible liquid–liquid interface, as shown by finite element method (FEM) simulations. This unique three-phase configuration is used to fingerprint nanoscale corrosion in a nanodroplet cell, and to analyse the interrelationship between the Cu oxidation, Cu²⁺ deposition and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) processes, together with nanoscale open circuit (corrosion) potential, in a grain-by-grain manner. Complex patterns of surface reactivity highlight the important role of grains of high-index orientation and microscopic surface defects (e.g., microscratches) in modulating the corrosion-properties of polycrystalline Cu. This work provides a roadmap for in-depth surface structure–function studies in (electro)materials science and highlights how small variations in surface structure (e.g., crystallographic orientation) can give rise to large differences in nanoscale reactivity.

Probing Cu corrosion in an aqueous nanodroplet/oil/metal three-phase environment revealed unique patterns of surface reactivity. The electrochemistry of high-index facets cannot be predicted simply from the low-index {001}, {011} and {111} responses.

Local probe investigation of electrocatalytic activity

As the world energy crisis remains a long-term challenge, development and access to renewable energy sources are crucial for a sustainable modern society. Electrochemical energy conversion devices are a promising option for green energy supply, although the challenge associated with electrocatalysis have caused increasing complexity in the materials and systems, demanding further research and insights. In this field, scanning probe microscopy (SPM) represents a specific source of knowledge and understanding. Thus, our aim is to present recent findings on electrocatalysts for electrolysers and fuel cells, acquired mainly through scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and other related scanning probe techniques. This review begins with an introduction to the principles of several SPM techniques and then proceeds to the research done on various energy-related reactions, by emphasizing the progress on non-noble electrocatalytic materials.

Correlating the Local Electrocatalytic Activity of Amorphous Molybdenum Sulfide Thin Films with Microscopic Composition, Structure, and Porosity

Thin-film electrodes, produced by coating a conductive support with a thin layer (nanometer to micrometer) of active material, retain the unique properties of nanomaterials (e.g., activity, surface area, conductivity, etc.) while being economically scalable, making them highly desirable as electrocatalysts. Despite the ever-increasing methods of thin-film deposition (e.g., wet chemical synthesis, electrodeposition, chemical vapor deposition, etc.), there is insufficient understanding on the nanoscale electrochemical activity of these materials in relation to structure/composition, particularly for those that lack long-range order (i.e., amorphous thin-film materials). In this work, scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) is deployed in tandem with complementary, colocated compositional/structural analysis to understand the microscopic factors governing the electrochemical activity of amorphous molybdenum sulfide (a-MoS_x) thin films, a promising class of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst. The a-MoS_x thin films, produced under ambient conditions by electrodeposition, possess spatially heterogeneous electrocatalytic activity on the tens-of-micrometer scale, which is not attributable to microscopic variations in elemental composition or chemical structure (i.e., Mo and/or S bonding environments), shown through colocated, local energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. A new SECCM protocol is implemented to directly correlate electrochemical activity to the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) in a single measurement, revealing that the spatially heterogeneous HER response of a-MoS_x is predominantly attributable to variations in the nanoscale porosity of the thin film, with surface roughness ruled out as a major contributing factor by complementary atomic force microscopy (AFM). As microscopic composition, structure, and porosity (ECSA) are all critical factors dictating the functional properties of nanostructured materials in electrocatalysis and beyond (e.g., battery materials, electrochemical sensors, etc.), this work further cements SECCM as a premier tool for structure-function studies in (electro)materials science.

Oil-Immersed Scanning Micropipette Contact Method Enabling Long-term Corrosion Mapping

This work reports the development of an oil-immersed scanning micropipette contact method, a variant of the scanning micropipette contact method, where a thin layer of oil wets the investigated substrate. The oil-immersed scanning micropipette contact method significantly increases the droplet stability, allowing for prolonged mapping and the use of highly evaporative saline solutions regardless of ambient humidity levels. This systematic mapping technique was used to conduct a detailed investigation of localized corrosion taking place at the surface of an AA7075-T73 aluminum alloy in a 3.5 wt % NaCl electrolyte solution, which is typically challenging in the conventional scanning micropipette contact method. Maps of corrosion potentials and corrosion currents extracted from potentiodynamic polarization curves showed good correlations with the chemical composition of surface features and known galvanic interactions at the microscale level. This demonstrates the viability of the oil-immersed scanning micropipette contact method and opens up the avenue to mechanistic corrosion investigations at the microscale level using aqueous solutions that are prone to evaporation under noncontrolled humidity levels.

Electrochemical Impedance Measurements in Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a versatile tool for electrochemistry, particularly when applied locally to reveal the properties and dynamics of heterogeneous interfaces. A new method to generate local electrochemical impedance spectra is outlined, by applying a harmonic bias between a quasi-reference counter electrode (QRCE) placed in a nanopipet tip of a scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM) and a conductive (working electrode) substrate (two-electrode setup). The AC frequency can be tuned so that the magnitude of the impedance is sensitive to the tip-to-substrate distance, whereas the phase angle is broadly defined by the local capacitive response of the electrical double layer (EDL) of the working electrode. This development enables the surface topography and the local capacitance to be sensed reliably, and separately, in a single measurement. Further, self-referencing the probe impedance near the surface to that in the bulk solution allows the local capacitive response of the working electrode substrate in the overall AC signal to be determined, establishing a quantitative footing for the methodology. The spatial resolution of AC-SICM is an order of magnitude larger than the tip size (100 nm radius), for the studies herein, due to frequency dispersion. Comprehensive finite element method (FEM) modeling is undertaken to optimize the experimental conditions and minimize the experimental artifacts originating from the frequency dispersion phenomenon, and provides an avenue to explore the means by which the spatial resolution could be further improved.

Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (SECCM) in Aprotic Solvents: Practical Considerations and Applications

Many applications in modern electrochemistry, notably electrosynthesis and energy storage/conversion take advantage of the "tunable" physicochemical properties (e.g., proton availability and/or electrochemical stability) of nonaqueous (e.g., aprotic) electrolyte media. This work develops general guidelines pertaining to the use of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) in aprotic solvent electrolyte media to address contemporary structure-electrochemical activity problems. Using the simple outer-sphere Fc^0/+ process (Fc = ferrocene) as a model system, high boiling point (low vapor pressure) solvents give rise to highly robust and reproducible electrochemistry, whereas volatile (low boiling point) solvents need to be mixed with suitable low melting point supporting electrolytes (e.g., ionic liquids) or high boiling point solvents to avoid complications associated with salt precipitation/crystallization on the scanning (minutes to hours) time scale. When applied to perform microfabrication-specifically the electrosynthesis of the conductive polymer, polypyrrole-the optimized SECCM set up produces highly reproducible arrays of synthesized (electrodeposited) material on a commensurate scale to the employed pipet probe. Applying SECCM to map electrocatalytic activity-specifically the electro-oxidation of iodide at polycrystalline platinum-reveals unique (i.e., structure-dependent) patterns of surface activity, with grains of specific crystallographic orientation, grain boundaries and areas of high local surface misorientation identified as potential electrocatalytic "hot spots". The work herein further cements SECCM as a premier technique for structure-function-activity studies in (electro)materials science and will open up exciting new possibilities through the use of aprotic solvents for rational analysis/design in electrosynthesis, microfabrication, electrochemical energy storage/conversion, and beyond.

Nanoscale optical imaging in chemistry

Single-molecule-level measurements are bringing about a revolution in our understanding of chemical and biochemical processes. Conventional measurements are performed on large ensembles of molecules. Such ensemble-averaged measurements mask molecular-level dynamics and static and dynamic fluctuations in reactivity, which are vital to a holistic understanding of chemical reactions. Watching reactions on the single-molecule level provides access to this otherwise hidden information. Sub-diffraction-limited spatial resolution fluorescence imaging methods, which have been successful in the field of biophysics, have been applied to study chemical processes on single-nanoparticle and single-molecule levels, bringing us new mechanistic insights into physiochemical processes. However, the scope of chemical processes that can be studied using fluorescence imaging is considerably limited; the chemical reaction has to be designed such that it involves fluorophores or fluorogenic probes. In this article, we review optical imaging modalities alternative to fluorescence imaging, which expand greatly the range of chemical processes that can be probed with nanoscale or even single-molecule resolution. First, we show that the luminosity, wavelength, and intermittency of solid-state photoluminescence (PL) can be used to probe chemical transformations on the single-nanoparticle-level. Next, we highlight case studies where localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) scattering is used for tracking solid-state, interfacial, and near-field-driven chemical reactions occurring in individual nanoscale locations. Third, we explore the utility of surface- and tip-enhanced Raman scattering to monitor individual bond-dissociation and bond-formation events occurring locally in chemical reactions on surfaces. Each example has yielded some new understanding about molecular mechanisms or location-to-location heterogeneity in chemical activity. The review finishes with new and complementary tools that are expected to further enhance the scope of knowledge attainable through nanometer-scale resolution chemical imaging.

Investigating the Redox Properties of Two-Dimensional MoS2 Using Photoluminescence Spectroelectrochemistry and Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy

Control over photophysical and chemical properties of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is the key to advance their applications in next-generation optoelectronics. Although chemical doping and surface modification with plasmonic metals have been reported to tune the photophysical and catalytic properties of 2D TMDs, there have been few reports of tuning optical properties using dynamic electrochemical control of electrode potential. Herein, we report (1) the photoluminescence (PL) enhancement and red-shift in the PL spectrum of 2D MoS₂, synthesized by chemical vapor deposition and subsequent transfer onto an indium tin oxide electrode, upon electrochemical anodization and (2) spatial heterogeneities in its photoelectrochemical (PEC) activities. Spectroelectrochemistry shows that positive electrochemical bias causes an initial ten-fold increase in the PL intensity followed by a quick decrease in the enhancement. The PL enhancement and spectrum red-shift are associated with the decrease in nonradiative decay rates of excitons formed upon electrochemical anodization of 2D MoS₂. Additionally, scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) study shows that the 2D MoS₂ crystal is spatially sensitive to PEC oxidation at positive potentials. SECCM also shows a photocurrent increase caused by spatially heterogeneous edge-type defect sites of the crystal.

Scanning Gel Electrochemical Microscopy (SGECM): Lateral Physical Resolution by Current and Shear Force Feedback

Scanning gel electrochemical microscopy (SGECM) is a novel technique measuring local electrochemistry based on a gel probe. The gel probe, which is fabricated by electrodeposition of hydrogel on a microdisk electrode, immobilizes the electrolyte, and constitutes a two-electrode system upon contact with the sample. The contact area determines the lateral physical resolution of the measurement, and considering the soft nature of the gel it is essential to be well analyzed. In this work, the lateral physical resolution of SGECM is quantitatively studied from two aspects: (1) marking single sampling points by locally oxidizing Ag to AgCl and measuring their size; (2) line scan over reference samples with periodic topography and composition. The gel probe is approached to the sample by either current or shear force feedback, and the physical resolution of them is compared. For the optimal gel probe based on 25 μm diameter Pt disk electrode of R_g ≈ 2, the lateral physical resolution of SGECM at contact position is ca. 50 μm for current feedback and ca. 63 μm for shear force feedback. More importantly, the lateral physical resolution of SGECM can be flexibly tuned in the range of 14-78 μm by pulling or pressing the gel probe after touching the sample. In general, current feedback is more sensitive to gel-sample contact than shear force feedback. But the latter is more versatile, which is also applicable to nonconductive samples.

High-Resolution Electrochemical Mapping of the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide Nanosheets

High-resolution scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) is used to image and quantitatively analyze the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalytically active sites of 1H-MoS₂ nanosheets, MoS₂ , and WS₂ heteronanosheets. Using a 20 nm radius nanopipette and hopping mode scanning, the resolution of SECCM was beyond the optical microscopy limit and visualized a small triangular MoS₂ nanosheet with a side length of ca. 130 nm. The electrochemical cell provides local cyclic voltammograms with a nanoscale spatial resolution for visualizing HER active sites as electrochemical images. The HER activity difference of edge, terrace, and heterojunction of MoS₂ and WS₂ were revealed. The SECCM imaging directly visualized the relationship of HER activity and number of MoS₂ nanosheet layers and unveiled the heterogeneous aging state of MoS₂ nanosheets. SECCM can be used for improving local HER activities by producing sulfur vacancies using electrochemical reaction at the selected region.

Nanoscale Mapping of the Double Layer Potential at the Graphene-Electrolyte Interface

The electrical double layer (EDL) governs the operation of multiple electrochemical devices, determines reaction potentials, and conditions ion transport through cellular membranes in living organisms. The few existing methods of EDL probing have low spatial resolution, usually only providing spatially averaged information. On the other hand, traditional Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) is capable of mapping potential with nanoscale lateral resolution but cannot be used in electrolytes with concentrations higher than several mmol/L. Here, we resolve this experimental impediment by combining KPFM with graphene-capped electrolytic cells to quantitatively measure the potential drop across the EDL in aqueous electrolytes of decimolar and molar concentrations with a high lateral resolution. The surface potential of graphene in contact with deionized water and 0.1 mol/L solutions of CuSO₄ and MgSO₄ as a function of counter electrode voltage is reported. The measurements are supported by numerical modeling to reveal the role of the graphene membrane in potential screening and to determine the EDL potential drop. The proposed approach proves to be especially useful for imaging spatially inhomogeneous systems, such as nanoparticles submerged in an electrolyte solution. It could be suitable for in operando and in vivo measurements of the potential drop in the EDL on the surfaces of nanocatalysts and biological cells in equilibrium with liquid solutions.

Probing Single-Particle Electrocatalytic Activity at Facet-Controlled Gold Nanocrystals

Electrocatalytic reduction reactions (i.e., the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen reduction reaction) at individual, faceted Au nanocubes (NCs) and nano-octahedra (ODs) expressing predominantly {100} and {111} crystal planes on the surface, respectively, were studied by nanoscale voltammetric mapping. Cyclic voltammograms were collected at individual nanoparticles (NPs) with scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) and correlated with particle morphology imaged by electron microscopy. Nanoscale measurements from a statistically informative set of individual NPs revealed that Au NCs have superior HER electrocatalytic activity compared to that of Au ODs, in good agreement with macroscale cyclic voltammetry measurements. Au NCs exhibited more particle-to-particle variation in catalytic activity compared to that with Au ODs. The approach of single-particle SECCM imaging coupled with macroscale CV on well-defined NPs provides a powerful toolset for the design and activity assessment of nanoscale electrocatalysts.

Mapping the Potential of Zero Charge and Electrocatalytic Activity of Metal-Electrolyte Interface via a Grain-by-Grain Approach

Potential of zero charge (PZC) is a fundamental quantity that dictates the structure of the electrical double layer. Studies using single crystals suggest a polycrystalline surface should display an inhomogeneous distribution of PZC and electric field, which directly affects the electrochemical energy storage and conversion processes occurring at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Herein, we demonstrate the direct mapping of local PZC using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). The potential-dependent charging current upon the formation of the microscopic electrode-electrolyte interface is used to determine the PZC. Using polycrystalline Pt as a model system, correlative SECCM and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) images show the dependence of PZC on the local crystal grain orientation. The electrocatalytic activity can be mapped from the same SECCM experiment via local voltammetry, which demonstrates the variation of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity across Pt grains. The method reported here can be readily applied to study other electrochemical interfaces, providing rich correlative information on the surface property and electrocatalytic activities.

Advanced space- and time-resolved techniques for photocatalyst studies

Nanoparticle photocatalysts present the obvious characteristic of heterogeneity in structure, energy, and function at spatial and temporal scales.

High-Throughput Single-Nanoparticle-Level Imaging of Electrochemical Ion Insertion Reactions

Nanoparticle electrodes are attractive for electrochemical energy storage applications because their nanoscale dimensions decrease ion transport distances and generally increase ion insertion/extraction efficiency. However, nanoparticles vary in size, shape, defect density, and surface composition, which warrants their investigation at the single-nanoparticle level. Here we demonstrate a nondestructive high-throughput electro-optical imaging approach to quantitatively measure electrochemical ion insertion reactions at the single-nanoparticle level. Electro-optical measurements relate the optical density change of a nanoparticle to redox changes of elements in the particle under working electrochemical conditions. We benchmarked this technique by studying Li-ion insertion in hexagonal tungsten oxide (h-WO₃) nanorods during chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry. Interestingly, the optically detected current response revealed underlying processes that are hidden in the conventional electrochemical current measurements. This imaging technique may be applied to 13 nm particles and a wide range of electrochemical systems such as electrochromic smart windows, batteries, solid oxide fuel cells, and sensors.

Nanoscale Visualization and Multiscale Electrochemical Analysis of Conductive Polymer Electrodes

Conductive polymers are exceptionally promising for modular electrochemical applications including chemical sensors, bioelectronics, redox-flow batteries, and photoelectrochemical systems due to considerable synthetic tunability and ease of processing. Despite well-established structural heterogeneity in these systems, conventional macroscopic electroanalytical methods-specifically cyclic voltammetry-are typically used as the primary tool for structure-property elucidation. This work presents an alternative correlative multimicroscopy strategy. Data from laboratory and synchrotron-based microspectroscopies, including conducting-atomic force microscopy and synchrotron nanoscale infrared spectroscopy, are combined with potentiodynamic movies of electrochemical fluxes from scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) to reveal the relationship between electrode structure and activity. A model conductive polymer electrode system of tailored heterogeneity is investigated, consisting of phase-segregated domains of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) surrounded by contiguous regions of insulating poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), representing an ultramicroelectrode array. Isolated domains of P3HT are shown to retain bulk-like chemical and electronic structure when blended with PMMA and possess approximately equivalent electron-transfer rate constants compared to pure P3HT electrodes. The nanoscale electrochemical data are used to model and predict multiscale electrochemical behavior, revealing that macroscopic cyclic voltammograms should be much more kinetically facile than observed experimentally. This indicates that parasitic resistances rather than redox kinetics play a dominant role in macroscopic measurements in these conductive polymer systems. SECCM further demonstrates that the ambient degradation of the P3HT electroactivity within P3HT/PMMA blends is spatially heterogeneous. This work serves as a roadmap for benchmarking the quality of conductive polymer films as electrodes, emphasizing the importance of nanoscale electrochemical measurements in understanding macroscopic properties.

Single nanoparticle photoelectrochemistry: What is next?

Semiconductor photoelectrochemistry is a fascinating field that deals with the chemistry and physics of photodriven reactions at solid/liquid interfaces. The interdisciplinary field attracts (electro)chemists, materials scientists, spectroscopists, and theorists to study fundamental and applied problems such as carrier dynamics at illuminated electrode/electrolyte interfaces and solar energy conversion to electricity or chemical fuels. In the pursuit of practical photoelectrochemical energy conversion systems, researchers are exploring inexpensive, solution-processed semiconductor nanomaterials as light absorbers. Harnessing the enormous potential of nanomaterials for energy conversion applications requires a fundamental understanding of charge carrier generation, separation, transport, and interfacial charge transfer at heterogeneous nanoscale interfaces. Our current understanding of these processes is derived mainly from ensemble-average measurements of nanoparticle electrodes that report on the average behavior of trillions of nanoparticles. Ensemble-average measurements conceal how nanoparticle heterogeneity (e.g., differences in particle size, shape, and surface structure) contributes to the overall photoelectrochemical response. This perspective article focuses on the emerging area of single particle photoelectrochemistry, which has opened up an exciting new frontier: direct investigations of photodriven reactions on individual nanomaterials, with the ability to elucidate the role of particle-dependent properties on the photoelectrochemical behavior. Here, we (1) review the basic principles of photoelectrochemical cells, (2) point out the potential advantages and differences between bulk and nanoelectrodes, (3) introduce approaches to single nanoparticle photoelectrochemistry and highlight key findings, and (4) provide our perspective on future research directions.

Multifunctional Boron-Doped Diamond Colloidal AFM Probes

Scanning probe microscopy techniques providing information on conductivity, chemical fluxes, and interfacial reactivity synchronized with topographical information have gained importance within the last decades. Herein, a novel colloidal atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe is presented using a spherical boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode attached and electrically connected to a modified silicon nitride cantilever. These conductive spherical BDD-AFM probes allow for electrochemical force spectroscopy. The physical robustness of these bifunctional probes, and the excellent electrochemical properties of BDD renders this concept a unique multifunctional tool for a wide variety of scanning probe studies including conductive AFM, hybrid atomic force-scanning electrochemical microscopy, and tip-integrated chem/bio sensing.

Toward Electrochemical Studies on the Nanometer and Atomic Scales: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

Electrochemical reactions and ionic transport underpin the operation of a broad range of devices and applications, from energy storage and conversion to information technologies, as well as biochemical processes, artificial muscles, and soft actuators. Understanding the mechanisms governing function of these applications requires probing local electrochemical phenomena on the relevant time and length scales. Here, we discuss the challenges and opportunities for extending electrochemical characterization probes to the nanometer and ultimately atomic scales, including challenges in down-scaling classical methods, the emergence of novel probes enabled by nanotechnology and based on emergent physics and chemistry of nanoscale systems, and the integration of local data into macroscopic models. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) methods based on strain detection, potential detection, and hysteretic current measurements are discussed. We further compare SPM to electron beam probes and discuss the applicability of electron beam methods to probe local electrochemical behavior on the mesoscopic and atomic levels. Similar to a SPM tip, the electron beam can be used both for observing behavior and as an active electrode to induce reactions. We briefly discuss new challenges and opportunities for conducting fundamental scientific studies, matter patterning, and atomic manipulation arising in this context.

A circuit model for SECCM and topographic imaging method in AC mode

Single-barrel scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) can be used to perform electrochemical activity analysis and sample surface imaging simultaneously. Compared to SECM & SICM in imaging, the most significant advantage of SECCM is that it does not need to immerse sample in solution, which avoids the electrochemical reaction between electrolyte and sample surface. In traditional direct current (DC) topographic imaging method of SECCM, when the meniscus droplet is contacted with the sample surface, the presence of the redox current determines the Z-height of a scanning point. However, there are some problems in DC mode. Firstly, the redox (Faraday) current is very small (pA/nA), which is susceptible to interference of ambient environment. Secondly, since the inertia of the droplet, the overall height of the imaged topography depends on the droplet size (probe tip diameter) and scanning speed. Therefore, this paper first proposes a single-barrel SECCM circuit model and verifies this circuit model using the first-order zero-state response in the DC mode. Then, an AC scanning mode is proposed, which monitors the change of AC amplitude to determine the Z-height of the scanning point when the meniscus droplet approaches the surface of the sample. The experiments demonstrate that the AC mode has a powerful ability to overcome interference and provide high-stable topographic imaging.

Directly Mapping Photoelectrochemical Behavior within Individual Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Nanosheets

Spatial variations in photoelectrochemical reaction rates within individual p-type WSe₂ nanosheets were mapped through the application of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). The simultaneous topographical and electrochemical information provided via SECCM directly revealed how both sheet thickness and the presence of defect structures affect the local rate of photoelectrochemical reactions for both outer sphere and inner sphere redox couples. Sheet thickness was found to play a dramatic role in reaction rates, with onset potentials shifting by as much as 0.5 V over thicknesses of 20-120 nm, attributable to the inability of thin sheets to support independent space charge layers. Step/edge features were found to play a detrimental role for the outer sphere redox couple investigated (Ru(NH₃)₆³⁺ reduction), with taller steps having larger effects on performance. Shorter step features were found to be beneficial for hydrogen evolution, showing a controlled density of defect features is desirable for inner sphere processes. The studies presented here not only provide valuable, quantitative insights into the behavior of transitional metal dichalcogenide materials but also demonstrate the power of applying SECCM to the study of photoelectrochemical systems, particularly those involving two-dimensional (2D) materials.

Design and operation of a scanning electrochemical microscope for imaging with continuous line probes

This article describes a home-built scanning electrochemical microscope capable of achieving high areal imaging rates through the use of continuous line probes (CLPs) and compressed sensing (CS) image reconstruction. The CLP is a nonlocal probe consisting of a band electrode, where the achievable spatial resolution is set by the thickness of the band and the achievable imaging rate is largely determined by its width. A combination of linear and rotational motors allows for CLP scanning at different angles over areas up to 25 cm² to generate the raw signal necessary to reconstruct the desired electrochemical image using CS signal analysis algorithms. Herein, we provide detailed descriptions of CLP fabrication, microscope design, and the procedures used to carry out scanning electrochemical microscopy imaging with CLPs. In order to illustrate the basic operating procedures for the microscope, line scans and images measured in the substrate generation-probe-collection mode for flat samples containing platinum disk electrodes are presented. These exemplary measurements illustrate methods for calibrating the positioning system, positioning and cleaning the CLP, and verifying proper positioning/probe sensitivity along its length.