ATR-SEIRAS for time-resolved studies of electrode-electrolyte interfaces

In this contribution, we review the application of surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy in the attenuated total reflection mode (ATR-SEIRAS) for time-resolved studies of electrode- electrolyte interfaces. The range of time resolution reviewed goes from seconds or a fraction of a second to picoseconds, and the methodologies include fast interferometer scan rates, step-scan interferometry, frequency comb spectroscopy and pump-probe strategies. This wide range of time resolution and methodologies enables exploring the kinetics of electrochemical reactions and specific adsorption, the dynamics of double layer charging, the vibrational relaxation of adsorbates and spectral diffusion of adsorbates, all of them phenomena of the utmost importance to develop a truly deep understanding of electrode-electrolyte interfaces and electrochemical reactions.

Automated summary

This article reviews the application of surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy in the attenuated total reflection mode (ATR-SEIRAS) for time-resolved studies of electrode-electrolyte interfaces. Different time resolutions and methodologies are used to explore the kinetics of electrochemical reactions and specific adsorption, as well as the dynamics of double layer charging, the vibrational relaxation of adsorbates, and the spectral diffusion of adsorbates.