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Ultramicroelectrode fabrication guidelines for multifunctional scanning electrochemical microscopy
Congshan Guo1,2,3,4, Zhizhen Lv1,2,3,4, Jigui Tang1,2,3,4
1College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China. jshui@suda.edu.cn.
The Analyst
|May 26, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a scalable method to create high-performance metal disk ultramicroelectrodes (UMEs) for scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). These precise probes enable advanced studies in electrocatalysis and energy storage.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) requires high-performance probes for detailed interfacial analysis.
- Fabricating ultramicroelectrodes (UMEs) with controlled geometries is challenging but crucial for advanced SECM applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a scalable and versatile protocol for fabricating high-performance metal disk UMEs for multifunctional SECM.
- To achieve precise control over probe morphology, including RG values and interelectrode gaps.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a thick-wall nanopipette template integrated with tip forging.
- Fabricated dual-disk electrodes (DDE) with RG values <1.1 and interelectrode gaps of 5-10 μm.
- Achieved a reproducible method with a success rate of >95% across large batches.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated simultaneous O2 and pH monitoring during water oxidation catalysis.
- Showcased in situ mapping of lithium-ion flux during lithium plating.
- Successfully produced sensitive, multifunctional SECM probes with high reproducibility.
Conclusions:
- Established a reliable platform for producing advanced SECM probes.
- Significantly advanced quantitative investigation of complex interfacial chemical processes.
- Provided a versatile tool for electrocatalysis and energy storage research.
