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Gaudin LF, Wright IR, Harris-Lee TR, Jayamaha G, Kang M, Bentley CL. Five years of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM): new insights and innovations. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 38874335 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00859f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) is a nanopipette-based technique which enables measurement of localised electrochemistry. SECCM has found use in a wide range of electrochemical applications, and due to the wider uptake of this technique in recent years, new applications and techniques have been developed. This minireview has collected all SECCM research articles published in the last 5 years, to demonstrate and celebrate the recent advances, and to make it easier for SECCM researchers to remain well-informed. The wide range of SECCM applications is demonstrated, which are categorised here into electrocatalysis, electroanalysis, photoelectrochemistry, biological materials, energy storage materials, corrosion, electrosynthesis, and instrumental development. In the collection of this library of SECCM studies, a few key trends emerge. (1) The range of materials and processes explored with SECCM has grown, with new applications emerging constantly. (2) The instrumental capabilities of SECCM have grown, with creative techniques being developed from research groups worldwide. (3) The SECCM research community has grown significantly, with adoption of the SECCM technique becoming more prominent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan F Gaudin
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 VIC, Australia.
| | - India R Wright
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 VIC, Australia.
| | - Thom R Harris-Lee
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 VIC, Australia.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK
| | - Gunani Jayamaha
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050 NSW, Australia
| | - Minkyung Kang
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050 NSW, Australia
| | - Cameron L Bentley
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 VIC, Australia.
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2
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Jayamaha G, Maleki M, Bentley CL, Kang M. Practical guidelines for the use of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). Analyst 2024; 149:2542-2555. [PMID: 38632960 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00117f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) has emerged as a transformative technology for electrochemical materials characterisation and the study of single entities, garnering global adoption by numerous research groups. While details on the instrumentation and operational principles of SECCM are readily available, the growing need for practical guidelines, troubleshooting strategies, and a systematic overview of applications and trends has become increasingly evident. This tutorial review addresses this gap by offering a comprehensive guide to the practical application of SECCM. The review begins with a discussion of recent developments and trends in the application of SECCM, before providing systematic approaches to (and the associated troubleshooting associated with) instrumental set up, probe fabrication, substrate preparation and the deployment of environmental (e.g., atmosphere and humidity) control. Serving as an invaluable resource, this tutorial review aims to equip researchers and practitioners entering the field with a comprehensive guide to essential considerations for conducting successful SECCM experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunani Jayamaha
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW, Australia.
| | - Mahin Maleki
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Cameron L Bentley
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 VIC, Australia
| | - Minkyung Kang
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW, Australia.
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3
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Huang Z. Chemical Patterning on Nanocarbons: Functionality Typewriting. Molecules 2023; 28:8104. [PMID: 38138593 PMCID: PMC10745949 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanocarbon materials have become extraordinarily compelling for their significant potential in the cutting-edge science and technology. These materials exhibit exceptional physicochemical properties due to their distinctive low-dimensional structures and tailored surface characteristics. An attractive direction at the forefront of this field involves the spatially resolved chemical functionalization of a diverse range of nanocarbons, encompassing carbon nanotubes, graphene, and a myriad of derivative structures. In tandem with the technological leaps in lithography, these endeavors have fostered the creation of a novel class of nanocarbon materials with finely tunable physical and chemical attributes, and programmable multi-functionalities, paving the way for new applications in fields such as nanoelectronics, sensing, photonics, and quantum technologies. Our review examines the swift and dynamic advancements in nanocarbon chemical patterning. Key breakthroughs and future opportunities are highlighted. This review not only provides an in-depth understanding of this fast-paced field but also helps to catalyze the rational design of advanced next-generation nanocarbon-based materials and devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjie Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
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4
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Santana Santos C, Jaato BN, Sanjuán I, Schuhmann W, Andronescu C. Operando Scanning Electrochemical Probe Microscopy during Electrocatalysis. Chem Rev 2023; 123:4972-5019. [PMID: 36972701 PMCID: PMC10168669 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Scanning electrochemical probe microscopy (SEPM) techniques can disclose the local electrochemical reactivity of interfaces in single-entity and sub-entity studies. Operando SEPM measurements consist of using a SEPM tip to investigate the performance of electrocatalysts, while the reactivity of the interface is simultaneously modulated. This powerful combination can correlate electrochemical activity with changes in surface properties, e.g., topography and structure, as well as provide insight into reaction mechanisms. The focus of this review is to reveal the recent progress in local SEPM measurements of the catalytic activity of a surface toward the reduction and evolution of O2 and H2 and electrochemical conversion of CO2. The capabilities of SEPMs are showcased, and the possibility of coupling other techniques to SEPMs is presented. Emphasis is given to scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM), electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM), and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Santana Santos
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Bright Nsolebna Jaato
- Technical Chemistry III, Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen Carl-Benz-Straße 199, 47057 Duisburg, Germany
| | - Ignacio Sanjuán
- Technical Chemistry III, Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen Carl-Benz-Straße 199, 47057 Duisburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schuhmann
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Corina Andronescu
- Technical Chemistry III, Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen Carl-Benz-Straße 199, 47057 Duisburg, Germany
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5
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Xu X, Valavanis D, Ciocci P, Confederat S, Marcuccio F, Lemineur JF, Actis P, Kanoufi F, Unwin PR. The New Era of High-Throughput Nanoelectrochemistry. Anal Chem 2023; 95:319-356. [PMID: 36625121 PMCID: PMC9835065 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Xu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | | | - Paolo Ciocci
- Université
Paris Cité, ITODYS, CNRS, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Samuel Confederat
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.
| | - Fabio Marcuccio
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Faculty
of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paolo Actis
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,
| | | | - Patrick R. Unwin
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.,
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Li Y, Morel A, Gallant D, Mauzeroll J. Controlling Surface Contact, Oxygen Transport, and Pitting of Surface Oxide via Single-Channel Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy. Anal Chem 2022; 94:14603-14610. [PMID: 36214771 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In single-channel scanning electrochemical cell microscopy, the applied potential during the approach of a micropipette to the substrate generates a transient current upon droplet contact with the substrate. Once the transient current exceeds a set threshold, the micropipette is automatically halted. Currently, the effect of the approach potential on the subsequent electrochemical measurements, such as the open-circuit potential and potentiodynamic polarization, is considered to be inconsequential. Herein, we demonstrate that the applied approach potential does impact the extent of probe-to-substrate interaction and subsequent microscale electrochemical measurements on aluminum alloy AA7075-T73.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjiao Li
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, H3A 0B8 Quebec, Canada
| | - Alban Morel
- Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre, Division of Transportation and Manufacturing, National Research Council Canada, Aluminum Technology Center, 501 University Blvd East, Saguenay, G7H 8C3 Quebec, Canada
| | - Danick Gallant
- Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre, Division of Transportation and Manufacturing, National Research Council Canada, Aluminum Technology Center, 501 University Blvd East, Saguenay, G7H 8C3 Quebec, Canada
| | - Janine Mauzeroll
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, H3A 0B8 Quebec, Canada
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Makarova MV, Amano F, Nomura S, Tateishi C, Fukuma T, Takahashi Y, Korchev YE. Direct Electrochemical Visualization of the Orthogonal Charge Separation in Anatase Nanotube Photoanodes for Water Splitting. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.1c04910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina V. Makarova
- Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
- Institute of Physics CAS, Na Slovance, 2, Prague 18200, Czech Republic
| | - Fumiaki Amano
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Shinpei Nomura
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
| | - Chihiro Tateishi
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
| | - Takeshi Fukuma
- Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yasufumi Takahashi
- Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Yuri E. Korchev
- Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
- National University of Science and Technology (MISiS), Leninskiy prospect 4, Moscow 119049, Russia
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8
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Suni II. Substrate Materials for Biomolecular Immobilization within Electrochemical Biosensors. BIOSENSORS 2021; 11:239. [PMID: 34356710 PMCID: PMC8301891 DOI: 10.3390/bios11070239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical biosensors have potential applications for agriculture, food safety, environmental monitoring, sports medicine, biomedicine, and other fields. One of the primary challenges in this field is the immobilization of biomolecular probes atop a solid substrate material with adequate stability, storage lifetime, and reproducibility. This review summarizes the current state of the art for covalent bonding of biomolecules onto solid substrate materials. Early research focused on the use of Au electrodes, with immobilization of biomolecules through ω-functionalized Au-thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), but stability is usually inadequate due to the weak Au-S bond strength. Other noble substrates such as C, Pt, and Si have also been studied. While their nobility has the advantage of ensuring biocompatibility, it also has the disadvantage of making them relatively unreactive towards covalent bond formation. With the exception of Sn-doped In2O3 (indium tin oxide, ITO), most metal oxides are not electrically conductive enough for use within electrochemical biosensors. Recent research has focused on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) such as MoS2 and on electrically conductive polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene. In addition, the deposition of functionalized thin films from aryldiazonium cations has attracted significant attention as a substrate-independent method for biofunctionalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Ivar Suni
- Materials Technology Center, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA; ; Tel.: +1-618-453-7822
- School of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
- School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Materials Engineering, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
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9
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Li Y, Morel A, Gallant D, Mauzeroll J. Ag + Interference from Ag/AgCl Wire Quasi-Reference Counter Electrode Inducing Corrosion Potential Shift in an Oil-Immersed Scanning Micropipette Contact Method Measurement. Anal Chem 2021; 93:9657-9662. [PMID: 34236831 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c01045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative scanning micropipette contact method measurements are subject to the deleterious effects of reference electrode interference. The commonly used Ag/AgCl wire quasi-reference counter electrode in the miniaturized electrochemical cell of the scanning micropipette contact method was found to leak Ag+ into the electrolyte solution. The reduction of these Ag+ species at the working electrode surface generates a faradaic current, which significantly affects the low magnitude currents inherently measured in the scanning micropipette contact method. We demonstrate that, during the microscopic corrosion investigation of the AA7075-T73 alloy using the oil-immersed scanning micropipette contact method, the cathodic current was increased by the Ag+ reduction, resulting in positive shifts of corrosion potentials. The use of a leak-free Ag/AgCl electrode or an extended distance between the Ag/AgCl wire and micropipette tip droplet eliminated the Ag+ contamination, making it possible to measure accurate corrosion potentials during the oil-immersed scanning micropipette contact method measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjiao Li
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Alban Morel
- Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre, Division of Transportation and Manufacturing, National Research Council Canada, Aluminum Technology Center, 501 University Blvd. East, Saguenay, Quebec G7H 8C3, Canada
| | - Danick Gallant
- Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre, Division of Transportation and Manufacturing, National Research Council Canada, Aluminum Technology Center, 501 University Blvd. East, Saguenay, Quebec G7H 8C3, Canada
| | - Janine Mauzeroll
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
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10
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Buesen D, Li H, Plumeré N. The electron as a probe to measure the thickness distributions of electroactive films. Chem Sci 2020; 11:937-946. [PMID: 33144933 PMCID: PMC7583368 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc03653a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Electron conducting films are ubiquitous in applications such as energy conversion, and their ability to fulfill their catalytic function can be greatly limited by inhomogeneities in their thickness or breaks within the film. Knowing the electroactive film thickness distribution would greatly facilitate optimization efforts, but techniques to measure this are lacking. Here, we present an electroanalytical method that provides the thickness distribution of the electrochemically accessible fraction of redox-active films in which the transfer of electrons is diffusional, i.e. by electron hopping. In this method, as the time scale of the experiment (the scan rate) is changed, the location of the diffusion layer boundary relative to the film roughness features is varied, allowing for the extraction of the film thickness distribution. In addition to being conveniently carried out in the solvated state, which is often the operational state of these conductive films, this approach is highly complementary to classical microscopy methods since it samples the entire modified electrode and is specific to the electroactive portions of the film. Therefore, this approach provides information on film morphology that is truly relevant for the catalytic processes being optimized, and thus can guide the optimization of catalyst integration in films towards macroscale cohesion and thickness homogeneity which are essential for optimal performances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Buesen
- Center for Electrochemical Sciences - CES , Ruhr-Universität Bochum , 44780 Bochum , Germany .
| | - Huaiguang Li
- Center for Electrochemical Sciences - CES , Ruhr-Universität Bochum , 44780 Bochum , Germany .
| | - Nicolas Plumeré
- Center for Electrochemical Sciences - CES , Ruhr-Universität Bochum , 44780 Bochum , Germany .
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