Optical microscopy to study single nanoparticles electrochemistry: From reaction to motion

Nanoparticles (NPs)-based electrochemical devices are generating a growing interest and optical microscopy has recently proven to be a powerful tool to apprehend their electrochemical behavior. Through several striking examples, this review demonstrates how label-free optical imaging coupled to an electrochemical actuation can be used to probe operando the physical and electrochemical properties of single NPs, with high resolution and sensitivity and without additional emitters. Such an approach can be particularly relevant to establish clear structure-motion/reactivity relationships required to optimize NPs exploited as electrode materials.

Automated summary

The use of label-free optical imaging coupled to an electrochemical actuation has been shown to be an effective tool to probe the physical and electrochemical properties of single nanoparticles with high resolution and sensitivity. This approach is particularly relevant for optimizing nanoparticles used as electrode materials by establishing clear structure-motion/reactivity relationships.