Use of scanning electrochemical microscope for local properties during LSPR-assisted reactions

• Grant number: 24/02870-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2024
• End date: February 28, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: André Henrique Baraldi Dourado
• Grantee: Victor Gabriel Pereira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/06405-1 - Assisted water electrolysis, AP.GR

Abstract

The importance of local interfacial properties such as the detection of adsorbed intermediates and local pH variations has already been demonstrated in the literature, and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) has proven to be a powerful set of techniques for addressing these investigations. In the case of the reactions of interest for this Project Generation proposal, these techniques can provide information regarding kinetics, mechanisms, and how these depend on the electrode morphology. This investigation is meritorious and interesting in itself. However, few records in the literature were found regarding the use of this technique in the light, and none on its application in plasmonic electrochemistry.Therefore, the fellow will be guided to optimize the experimental conditions of SECM in the dark, comparing the measurements of local interfacial pH with those obtained by a rotating ring-disk electrode for model reactions, such as RDE. In addition, the fellow will optimize conditions for kinetic measurements in either positive or negative feedback mode, as well as measurements of local pH and potential in the light, in the presence of LSPRs (Localized Surface Plasmon Resonances).