| Abstract |
The realization of a carbon-neutral society has intensified research efforts toward advanced electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies. The performance of those devices critically depends on the optimization of material composition and structural architecture in energy materials. However, achieving a comprehensive understanding of the microscopic electrochemical behavior of such materials remains a significant scientific challenge. To evaluate those properties, a variety of advanced characterization techniques have been employed, including electron microscopy, synchrotron radiation–based analyses, and scanning probe microscopy. Among those, SPM-based techniques offer unique advantages for in-situ investigations under electrochemical reaction conditions. In particular, scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) has emerged as a powerful tool for localized electrochemical analysis [1]. SECCM utilizes a nanopipette filled with electrolyte solution and equipped with a quasi-reference/counter electrode. Upon forming a confined meniscus at the sample surface, a droplet-based electrochemical cell is established, enabling spatially resolved measurements with exceptional sensitivity and precision. In this talk, we demonstrate our recent mapping results using SECCM are directly related to electrochemical activity on low-dimensional energy materials. Representative applications include lithium-ion battery electrode materials [2], redox mediators [3], and electrocatalysts [4]. Furthermore, we discuss the influence of chemical dopants [5], defect-engineering-based functionalization [6], and controlled material manipulation [7] on local electrochemical activity.
REFERENCES
[1] A. Kumatani, T. Matsue, Curr. Opin. Electrochem., 22, 228 (2020).
[2] Y. Takahashi et al., Nat. Commun., 5 5450 (2014).
[3] A. Kumatani et al., Electrochimica Acta 499, 144688 (2024).
[4] K. Ishibashi et al., ACS Appl. Ener. Mater. 7, 10466 (2024).
[5] A. Kumatani et al., Adv. Sci., 6 1900119 (2019).
[6] A. Kumatani et al., APL Energy, 2 016107 (2024).
[7] K. Pirabul et al., Carbon, 228 119376 (2024). |
