Controlling the collision behavior and signals in electrocatalytic nano-impact

Abstract

What occurs at the interface plays a crucial role in the nano-impact electrochemistry, especially for the electrocatalytic current amplification from heterogeneous inner-sphere reaction. Surface chemistry of electrode and impacting nanoparticles, electrolyte composition, and certain external conditions such as applied potential, unique setups, plasmonic effects, and magnetic fields will significantly affect the collision behavior and signals of single nano-electrocatalysts. Studying the effect of the above factors can provide new insights into the nature of NP-electrode interactions and their impact on electron transfer processes. This sheds light on the intrinsic electrocatalytic behavior of nanomaterials on a single entity level and the relevant fundamental electrochemistry. This review summarizes the recent work on modulation of electrocatalytic nano-impact systems by modifying the electrode and nanoparticle surface, adjusting solution composition, and tuning external conditions.