Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yuanjiao Li, Alban Morel, Danick Gallant, Janine Mauzeroll
Summary: This study investigated the grain-dependent corrosion behaviors of a polycrystalline aluminum alloy using oil-immersed scanning electrochemical cell microscopy. The results showed that cathodic currents exhibited a strong dependence on grain orientation, while anodic currents had weak dependence and pitting was independent of grain orientation.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Md Maksudur Rahman, Chloe L. Tolbert, Partha Saha, Jeffrey M. Halpern, Caleb M. Hill
Summary: This study demonstrates the fabrication of ordered nanoparticle arrays using SECCM. By dynamically monitoring the currents flowing in an SECCM cell, the nucleation and growth of nanoparticles can be controlled, allowing for precise control over their size and location. This SECCM-based approach has great potential in surface modification and analysis.
Article
Electrochemistry
Lachlan F. Gaudin, Minkyung Kang, Cameron L. Bentley
Summary: The (electro)chemical properties of polycrystalline materials used in energy applications are influenced by surface structure, especially the orientation of crystallographic facets. Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) technique is used to investigate the electrochemical properties of poly-crystalline platinum. The study reveals that different crystallographic facets of platinum exhibit different activities in various electrocatalytic and surface processes.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cameron L. Bentley, Minkyung Kang, Saheed Bukola, Stephen E. Creager, Patrick R. Unwin
Summary: In this study, local ion-flux imaging was performed on chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene vertical bar Nafion membranes using an electrochemical ion (proton) pump cell mode of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). The results show that most of the CVD graphene vertical bar Nafion membrane is impermeable to proton transport, with transmission occurring at localized sites across a small area of the membrane. This suggests that rare atomic defects are responsible for proton conductance.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jian Zhuang, Zhiwu Wang, Qiangqiang Zheng, Xiaobo Liao
Summary: The study focuses on using a single-barrel SECCM nanopipet with different backpressure to increase meniscus droplet thickness, improving imaging stability. Experimental results show that pressure-applied SECCM nanopipet has higher imaging stability in lower humidity levels.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Oluwasegun J. Wahab, Minkyung Kang, Enrico Daviddi, Marc Walker, Patrick R. Unwin
Summary: Understanding how crystallographic orientation affects the electrocatalytic performance of metal catalysts is crucial for improving catalyst efficiency. This study combines scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to investigate the correlation between surface crystallographic orientations on polycrystalline copper (Cu) and activity under CO2 electroreduction conditions. The results show that the order of activity is (111) < (100) < (110) among the Cu primary orientations. Furthermore, the study reveals that the ease of electrochemical stripping of the naturally formed passive layer on Cu is grain-dependent, with low-index facets being easier to strip. This research provides a method to rank the most active surfaces for further study.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Oluwasegun J. Wahab, Minkyung Kang, Enrico Daviddi, Marc Walker, Patrick R. Unwin
Summary: This study investigates the influence of crystallographic orientation on the electrocatalytic performance of polycrystalline copper (Cu) in CO2 electroreduction. The results demonstrate a correlation between step and kink density of secondary surface facets and electroreduction activity. Additionally, the ease of oxide removal on low-index facets is found to follow the order of (100) > (111) > (110).
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Silvia Mena, Esteve Ribas, Clara Richart, Iluminada Gallardo, Jordi Faraudo, Scott K. Shaw, Gonzalo Guirado
Summary: The paper focuses on the role of carbon dioxide in controlling the Earth's temperature and the environmental problems caused by its increased concentration in the atmosphere. It discusses the use of ionic liquids for efficient CO2 capture and conversion, utilizing electrochemical, spectroscopic, and molecular dynamics techniques to understand the reduction mechanism under various conditions. The research opens up possibilities for theoretical-experimental approaches to determine the CO2 reduction mechanism and the dependency of product formation on the electrode material and solvent used.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Huaxu Zhou, Kele Chen, Ru-Jia Yu, Yi-Lun Ying, Qianjin Chen, Yi-Tao Long
Summary: This review focuses on the recent advances in single nanobubble electrochemistry achieved through the utilization of nanopipettes, with new insights into fundamental electrochemistry and electroanalytical applications of single gas nanobubbles.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Zhuo Tan, Kaixuan Li, Yuanhui Xiao, Yu Gu, Ziang Nan, Weiwei Wang, Lan Sun, Deyin Wu, Bingwei Mao, Jiawei Yan
Summary: The electrochemical behaviors of Au(100) electrode in two choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) ethaline and reline have been studied by cyclic voltammetry and in situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). An order-order phase transition of chloride ion adlayer was observed in ethaline, while an order-disorder phase transition was observed in reline. Gold nanowires could form and stably exist on Au(100) surface in reline, which is different from that formed on Au(111) surface. The arrangement of gold atoms on the electrode surface and chloride ions in the innermost Stern plane can be affected by hydrogen bond donor molecules and the surface crystallography of the electrode interface.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Kurt R. Weiss, Fabian F. Voigt, Douglas P. Shepherd, Jan Huisken
Summary: Tissue clearing is a powerful technique for studying anatomy and morphology, but choosing the best protocol can be challenging due to the diversity of methods available. Factors such as signal retention, staining, transparency uniformity, image acquisition, and analysis all need to be considered when optimizing a tissue-clearing experiment.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jinxue Shen, Dongdong Dong, Zefa Wang, Junfen Wan, Xuejun Cao
Summary: A novel method was developed for the production of ursodeoxycholic acid through electrochemical stereoselective reduction of 7-ketolithocholic acid in a undivided electrolytic cell. The method provides a relatively environmentally friendly and low-consumption approach for large-scale production of ursodeoxycholic acid, and offers valuable insights for asymmetric electrochemical reduction of ketone groups.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Chunlei Yang, Tianhui Su, Yanbo Hua, Liming Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the latest results of electrochemical scanning probe microscopy techniques in studying the interfacial properties of electrocatalysts and photoelectrodes, and offers some perspectives on future research directions.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Chad M. Hobson, Min Guo, Harshad D. Vishwasrao, Yicong Wu, Hari Shroff, Teng-Leong Chew
Summary: This Perspective discusses common pitfalls and provides guidance for improving quantitative imaging with light sheet microscopy. Fluorescence microscopy has transitioned into a platform for quantitative, hypothesis-driven research, leading to the rapid growth of light sheet fluorescence microscopy. The unique characteristics of light sheet microscopes require special considerations for quantitative experiments.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Roxana A. Milescu, Anna Zhenova, Marco Vastano, Richard Gammons, Shiliang Lin, Cher Hon Lau, James H. Clark, Con R. McElroy, Alessandro Pellis
Summary: This study investigates the use of a binary solvent system composed of Cyrene and its derivative Cygnet 0.0 in membrane technology and biocatalytic synthesis of polyesters. The results show that Cygnet 0.0 is a promising candidate for the enzymatic synthesis of high molecular weight polyesters, and that Cyrene blends could be viable replacements for toxic polar aprotic solvents in membrane production. New polymeric membranes of different morphology can be manufactured by using Cyrene, Cygnet 0.0, and their blend, depending on the casting solution's temperature and solvent/mixture composition.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Si-Xuan Guo, Cameron L. Bentley, Minkyung Kang, Alan M. Bond, Patrick R. Unwin, Jie Zhang
Summary: This article introduces two advanced spatiotemporal voltammetric techniques for electrocatalytic studies, which provide important insights into the electrochemical reduction of CO2. Fourier transformed large-amplitude alternating current voltammetry allows the resolution of rapid electron-transfer processes, while scanning electrochemical cell microscopy provides high-resolution activity maps and potentiodynamic movies of catalyst surfaces.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Daniel Martin-Yerga, Minkyung Kang, Patrick R. Unwin
Summary: This study uses scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) to investigate the formation of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) on graphite surfaces in Li-ion batteries. The presence of step edges on the surface promotes the formation of a more passivating SEI. The study also shows that an unstable SEI can be detected under fast formation conditions, while a slow formation rate leads to the growth of an increasingly passivating SEI.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cameron L. Bentley, Minkyung Kang, Saheed Bukola, Stephen E. Creager, Patrick R. Unwin
Summary: In this study, local ion-flux imaging was performed on chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene vertical bar Nafion membranes using an electrochemical ion (proton) pump cell mode of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). The results show that most of the CVD graphene vertical bar Nafion membrane is impermeable to proton transport, with transmission occurring at localized sites across a small area of the membrane. This suggests that rare atomic defects are responsible for proton conductance.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Oluwasegun J. Wahab, Minkyung Kang, Gabriel N. Meloni, Enrico Daviddi, Patrick R. Unwin
Summary: This study investigates nanoscale electrochemistry at indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes using high-resolution scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). The research reveals the spatially heterogeneous charge transfer activity of ITO surfaces and measures a significantly higher charge transfer rate at the nanoscale compared to the macroscale.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Oluwasegun J. Wahab, Minkyung Kang, Enrico Daviddi, Marc Walker, Patrick R. Unwin
Summary: Understanding how crystallographic orientation affects the electrocatalytic performance of metal catalysts is crucial for improving catalyst efficiency. This study combines scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to investigate the correlation between surface crystallographic orientations on polycrystalline copper (Cu) and activity under CO2 electroreduction conditions. The results show that the order of activity is (111) < (100) < (110) among the Cu primary orientations. Furthermore, the study reveals that the ease of electrochemical stripping of the naturally formed passive layer on Cu is grain-dependent, with low-index facets being easier to strip. This research provides a method to rank the most active surfaces for further study.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Enrico Daviddi, Lachlan F. Gaudin, Cameron L. Bentley
Summary: SECCM is a nanopipette-based scanning electrochemical probe microscopy technique that is used to study the electrochemistry of various electrode materials, spanning multiple fields. Nanoscale-resolved information from SECCM can be directly related to electrode structure and properties, aiding in the assignment of structure-property relationships.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Enrico Daviddi, Viacheslav Shkirskiy, Paul M. Kirkman, Mathew P. Robin, Cameron L. Bentley, Patrick R. Unwin
Summary: This study uses scanning electrochemical cell microscopy to investigate the effect of additives on the surface structure of polycrystalline copper and locates the most effective action sites in corrosion-related processes. This research is significant for future inhibitor design and modeling studies.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cameron L. Bentley, Lachlan F. Gaudin, Minkyung Kang
Summary: Local voltammetric analysis with a scanning electrochemical droplet cell technique, in combination with a new data processing protocol, is used to directly identify previously unseen regions of elevated electrocatalytic activity on the basal plane of molybdenum disulfide. Understanding the nature of these microscopic catalytic active sites is crucial for the rational design of renewable fuel production materials.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Binglin Tao, Ian J. McPherson, Enrico Daviddi, Cameron L. Bentley, Patrick R. Unwin
Summary: Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) enables single particle measurements of battery materials, revealing intrinsic particle kinetics. The study investigates the electrochemistry of LiMn2O4 particles at different levels, exploring the effects of wetting and contact with the substrate electrode. The findings indicate that ensembles of LiMn2O4 particles show larger peak separations in voltammograms compared to single particles. Finite element method modeling reveals the importance of various factors in determining the voltammetric waveshape at fast scan rates.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiangdong Xu, Daniel Martin-Yerga, Nicholas E. Grant, Geoff West, Sophie L. Pain, Minkyung Kang, Marc Walker, John D. Murphy, Patrick R. Unwin
Summary: Understanding the formation of SEI and (de)lithiation phenomena at silicon electrodes is crucial for improving the performance and longevity of Si-based lithium-ion batteries. However, these processes are still elusive, particularly the role of Si surface termination.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Minkyung Kang, Cameron L. Bentley, J. Tyler Mefford, William C. Chueh, Patrick R. Unwin
Summary: This study investigates the variations in electrochemical properties of nanostructured electrocatalysts at different length scales, particularly focusing on the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of beta-Co(OH)(2) platelet particles. The results reveal the significance of heterogeneous activity at the single-particle level, as well as the importance of factors such as particle structure, particle-support interaction, and presence of defects, in governing the electrochemical activities of these materials. The study suggests a roadmap for the rational design and optimization of nanostructured electrocatalysts for alkaline water electrolysis.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Oluwasegun J. Wahab, Minkyung Kang, Enrico Daviddi, Marc Walker, Patrick R. Unwin
Summary: This study investigates the influence of crystallographic orientation on the electrocatalytic performance of polycrystalline copper (Cu) in CO2 electroreduction. The results demonstrate a correlation between step and kink density of secondary surface facets and electroreduction activity. Additionally, the ease of oxide removal on low-index facets is found to follow the order of (100) > (111) > (110).
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thom R. Harris-Lee, S. Andrew L. Johnson, Lina Wang, Philip J. Fletcher, Jie Zhang, Cameron Bentley, Christopher R. Bowen, Frank Marken
Summary: Water splitting by photocatalysis, particularly using seawater or wastewater, has the potential to play a significant role in the future hydrogen economy. This study explores the use of newly developed 3D metal-wire substrates as photoactive electrodes for photoelectrochemical processes. Titanium microwires with a rutile TiO2 nanocrystal coating are demonstrated to produce effective photoanodes, with adjustable lengths of TiO2 rods. The study also highlights the effectiveness of vacuum annealing in enhancing TiO2 photochemical processes and assesses the formation of oxygen and chlorine in electrolyte media.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
