Atomic force microscope imaging and force measurements at electrified and actively corroding interfaces: challenges...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Surface Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Studying corrosive reactions in electrochemical environments using scanning probe microscopy (SPM) presents challenges.
• Typical electrochemical SPM experiments face limitations including crevice formations and contamination issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an improved electrochemical cell design for atomic force microscope (AFM) measurements in corrosive environments.
• To address limitations in current electrochemical SPM techniques and ensure reliable experimental results.
• To introduce design elements and precautions for studying selective dissolution, dealloying, pitting corrosion, and interfacial forces.

Main Methods:

• Optimized cell geometry and introduced novel design features to prevent common issues like crevice formation.
• Discussed electrode selection and contamination from reference electrode ions.
• Developed standard samples for electrochemical AFM experiments.
• Tested the design using force-distance spectroscopy and topography imaging of dealloying processes.

Main Results:

• The novel electrochemical cell design was successfully tested for force-distance spectroscopy and topography imaging.
• Demonstrated reliable measurements of dealloying processes on a Cu(3)Au(111) surface.
• The design effectively mitigates common issues encountered in electrochemical SPM.

Conclusions:

• The improved electrochemical cell design enhances the reliability of AFM measurements in corrosive environments.
• The design is applicable to in situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscope (STM) cells.
• This advancement facilitates more accurate studies of corrosion and interfacial phenomena.