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Updated: Jun 23, 2025

Author Spotlight: Tracking Electrochemistry on Single Nanoparticles with Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectroscopy and Microscopy
Published on: May 12, 2023
An experimental perspective on nanoparticle electrochemistry
Esperanza Sedano Varo1, Rikke Egeberg Tankard1, Julius Lucas Needham1
1Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark. jkib@fysik.dtu.dk.
Abstract:
While model studies with small nanoparticles offer a bridge between applied experiments and theoretical calculations, the intricacies of working with well-defined nanoparticles in electrochemistry pose challenges for experimental researchers. This perspective dives into nanoparticle electrochemistry, provides experimental insights to uncover their intrinsic catalytic activity and draws conclusions about the effects of altering their size, composition, or loading. Our goal is to help uncover unexpected contamination sources and establish a robust experimental methodology, which eliminates external parameters that can overshadow the intrinsic activity of the nanoparticles. Additionally, we explore the experimental difficulties that can be encountered, such as stability issues, and offer strategies to mitigate their impact. From support preparation to electrocatalytic tests, we guide the reader through the entire process, shedding light on potential challenges and crucial experimental details when working with these complex systems.

