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Updated: May 15, 2026
08:31
Probing Surface Electrochemical Activity of Nanomaterials using a Hybrid Atomic Force Microscope-Scanning Electrochemical Microscope (AFM-SECM)
Published on: February 10, 2021
Photoelectrochemical scanning droplet cell microscopy (PE-SDCM)
Jan Philipp Kollender1, Andrei Ionut Mardare, Achim Walter Hassel
1Institute for Chemical Technology of Inorganic Materials, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Str. 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria.
Summary
This study introduces a localized photoelectrochemistry system for microscale analysis. The versatile photoelectrochemical scanning droplet cell microscopy (PE-SDCM) enables high-throughput screening of novel solar cell materials.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Localized photoelectrochemistry enables detailed analysis of small material samples.
- Microscale electrochemical techniques are crucial for characterizing novel materials, especially for energy applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an experimental approach for localized photoelectrochemistry within a 100 μm diameter.
- To demonstrate the system's versatility for various photoelectrochemical experiments and material characterization.
Main Methods:
- Coupling various light sources (continuum emitter, LEDs, lasers) via optical fiber to a capillary-based system.
- Integrating reference and counter electrodes within the capillary for localized measurements.
- Utilizing photocurrent measurements, electrical light chopping, and impedance spectroscopy with Mott-Schottky analysis.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated photocurrent measurements on n-doped and p-doped silicon.
- Showcased applicability for material library investigations using a thickness-graded aluminum thin film on silicon.
- Successfully performed impedance spectroscopy for determining charge-carrier concentration, flat-band potential, and inversion layer formation.
Conclusions:
- Photoelectrochemical scanning droplet cell microscopy (PE-SDCM) is a highly versatile tool for microscale analysis.
- PE-SDCM facilitates efficient screening of water-splitting photoelectrodes and photocatalysts.
- Enables high-throughput characterization of microgram quantities of new solar cell materials.
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