Scanning Probe Electrochemistry on the M470.

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Scanning probe electrochemistry encompasses a range of techniques, which provide complementary information. The M470 can perform Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM), Intermittent Contact-SECM (ic-SECM), Localized Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (LEIS), Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique (SVET) (also known as vibrating probe), Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP), Scanning Droplet Cell (SDC) and Optical Surface Profiling (OSP). Through a selection of the different modules a researcher can investigate:

• Surface activity

• Local impedance

• Local potential

• Local current

• Topography

The combination of these allows a complete description of the sample under study to be obtained.

Scanning probe electrochemistry has found use in any field in which researchers would like to further understand the factors contributing to the bulk electrochemistry measured. It has been firmly established in corrosion research, with the particular aim of understanding where and how corrosion processes start. In corrosion research, scanning electrochemical techniques are also used to determine the effectiveness of a treatment or coating and how improvements can be made to further passivate a system. In biology, scanning probe electrochemistry has been used to investigate living cells and particular emphasis has been placed on its use in screening biosensors. In the energy sector scanning probe electrochemistry has found use investigating batteries, fuel cells and photovoltaics. Materials science also benefits from the use of scanning probe electrochemistry, which has even been used to investigate 2D materials.