Electroanalytical Methodology

Surface Interrogation SECM

Identifying the key variables governing the electrocatalytic reaction mechanism is a fundamental step toward enhancing the efficiency of sustainable energy systems. However, simultaneous multistep reactions and catalyst dissolution complicate the identification of key variables that govern the reaction mechanism of short-lived interfacial intermediates in transient systems. In this regard, surface interrogation scanning electrochemical microscopy (SI-SECM) offers a novel approach for catalytic reaction analysis. SI-SECM technique enables time-resolved detection of solvent-accessible surface-active sites, independent of the underlying bulk. Notably, this titration technique provides critical mechanistic insights into various electrochemical energy conversion reactions by accurately quantifying the transient reactivity of surface species, including active site density, intermediate kinetics, and lifetimes.