3D Printed and Microcontrolled: The One Hundred Dollars Scanning Electrochemical Microscope

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Microscopy
• Instrumentation

Background:

• Electrochemical-scanning probe microscopy (EC-SPM) is crucial for spatially resolved electrochemical analysis.
• High-end EC-SPM systems are often expensive and complex, limiting accessibility.
• There is a need for low-cost, versatile platforms for electrochemical measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a versatile and low-cost EC-SPM.
• To demonstrate its capability for space-resolved electrochemical measurements.
• To explore its potential as a teaching and development platform.

Main Methods:

• Utilized modern prototyping tools like 3D printers and microcontrollers.
• Integrated off-the-shelf components for construction.
• Employed a platinum ultramicroelectrode (UME) in a scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) configuration.
• Implemented various scanning modes including approach curves, line scans, and array scans.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated a functional and low-cost EC-SPM.
• Demonstrated adequate performance for simple SECM measurements under hindered diffusion.
• Achieved implementation of complex scan patterns like hopping mode.
• Validated the equipment's versatility and flexibility.

Conclusions:

• The developed EC-SPM is a cost-effective and versatile tool for electrochemical research.
• Its flexible design facilitates the implementation of advanced functionalities.
• The system serves as an attractive platform for both education and the development of sophisticated EC-SPM setups.