Probing Single-Particle Electrocatalytic Stability: Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Imaging of Nanoparticle Array

Abstract

Understanding the stability of single nanoparticles is crucial for optimizing their performance in various applications, including catalysis. In this study, we employed electrochemiluminescence (ECL) imaging to investigate the temporal stability of individual Au and Pt nanoparticles within precisely engineered arrays. Our results reveal significant differences in the stability of Au and Pt NPs. While both exhibit initial decay due to diffusion limitations, Au NPs undergo more rapid degradation, attributed to surface oxidation and detachment. In contrast, Pt NPs demonstrate much better stability with little surface oxidation. This study provides valuable insights into the fundamental behavior of single-NP electrocatalysis and highlights the potential of ECL imaging as a powerful tool for unraveling the complex dynamics of nanoscale systems.