Single-nanoparticle spectroelectrochemistry studies enabled by localized surface plasmon resonance

This review describes recent progress of spectroelectrochemistry (SEC) analysis of single metallic nanoparticles (NPs) which have strong surface plasmon resonance properties. Dark-field scattering (DFS), photoluminescence (PL), and electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) are three commonly used optical methods to detect individual NPs and investigate their local redox activities in an electrochemical cell. These SEC methods are highly dependent on a strong light-scattering cross-section of plasmonic metals and their electrocatalytic characteristics. The surface chemistry and the catalyzed reaction mechanism of single NPs and their chemical transformations can be studied using these SEC methods. Recent progress in the experimental design and fundamental understanding of single-NP electrochemistry and catalyzed reactions using DFS, PL, and ECL is described along with selected examples from recent publications in this field. Perspectives on the challenges and possible solutions for these SEC methods and potential new directions are discussed.

Automated summary

This review discusses recent advances in spectroelectrochemistry analysis of single metallic nanoparticles with strong surface plasmon resonance properties. Methods such as dark-field scattering, photoluminescence, and electrogenerated chemiluminescence are used to detect individual nanoparticles and study their local redox activities. These methods rely on the light-scattering properties of plasmonic metals and their electrocatalytic characteristics for studying surface chemistry and catalyzed reactions at the single nanoparticle level.