Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy: A Comprehensive Review of Experimental Parameters from 1989 to 2015

Abstract

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is an electroanalytical scanning probe technique capable of imaging substrate topography and local reactivity with high resolution. Since its inception in 1989, it has expanded into a wide variety of research areas including biology, corrosion, energy, kinetics, instrumental development, and surface modification. In the past 25 years, over 1800 peer-reviewed publications have focused on SECM, including several topical reviews. However, these reviews often omit key details, forcing readers to search the literature. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the experimental parameters (e.g., solvents, probes, and mediators) used in all SECM publications since 1989, irrespective of the application. It can be used to rapidly assess experimental possibilities and make an informed decision about experimental design. In other words, it is a practical guide to SECM.

Multifunctional scanning ion conductance microscopy

“…In contrast with SICM, SECM often makes use of the faradaic current signal at a probe (solid or liquid/liquid interface), due to a charge (ion or electron) transfer reaction, and can be used to obtain electrochemical maps of a wide variety of interfaces [14,19]. As mentioned in §1, in comparison to SICM, the topographical capabilities of SECM are often rather poor and the SECM response is much more susceptible to effects of electrode fouling, and from the convolution of topography and activity in the response [21,29].…”

“…Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) [10,11] and SICM [1,4] represent prominent techniques where the probe is under electrochemical control. Electrochemical probes offer interesting applications for mapping and manipulating interfacial fluxes [12][13][14][15][16].…”

Micro/nanoelectrochemical probe and chip devices for evaluation of three-dimensional cultured cells

“…5 In SECM, a micro/nanoelectrode is passed over a sample surface to detect local chemical reactions. Although a probe device with a single electrode is generally used for SECM, several types of probe devices have been proposed.…”

Electronic Transport of MoS2 Monolayered Flakes Investigated by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

“…[6,7] It provides electrochemical images of the investigated substrate. This technique is particularly suitable to investigate the local electrochemical properties of 2D materials.…”