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High-Throughput Correlative Electrochemistry-Microscopy at a Transmission Electron Microscopy Grid Electrode
Isabel M Ornelas1, Patrick R Unwin2, Cameron L Bentley2
1Nanoscale Physics Research Laboratory , University of Birmingham , Birmingham B15 2TT , United Kingdom.
Analytical Chemistry
|November 2, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed a new platform combining microscopy techniques to create and analyze nanostructures. This method reveals how electrochemical conditions influence nanoparticle formation, aiding in nanomaterial design.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Nanoscience
- Materials Science
Background:
- Growing interest in electrochemical nanoscience for creating and analyzing nanostructured materials.
- Need for advanced techniques to bridge electrochemical processes with atomic-scale characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel platform combining scanning electrochemical cell microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy.
- To enable the creation of nanostructures and their atomic-scale analysis in a correlative manner.
Main Methods:
- Integration of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) with ex situ scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM).
- High-throughput electrochemical deposition experiments.
- Atomic-scale imaging and analysis of nanostructures.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful electrodeposition of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) on carbon-coated TEM grids.
- Observed that increasing overpotential leads to higher PtNP density and reduced size polydispersity.
- Identified a nonclassical aggregative growth mechanism based on the coexistence of various nanostructures from single atoms to aggregates.
Conclusions:
- The correlative electrochemistry-microscopy platform is effective for creating and analyzing nanostructures.
- This approach facilitates understanding structure-function relationships in nanomaterials.
- The platform is valuable for the rational design of functional nanomaterials.
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