{"title":"Extraordinary Waveguide-Enhanced Optical Microfiber Sensor for Operando Electrocatalysis Studies","authors":"Tiansheng Huang, Jiongshen Pan, Qijian Yuan, Li-Peng Sun, Bai-Ou Guan","doi":"10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c00280","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"Optical detection and sensing have been widely applied to electrochemical systems, and their cutting-edge technology is creating current trends in operando characterization. The mass transfer at the electrode–electrolyte interface induces not only the electron exchange but also the changes in optical properties such as dielectric constants, resulting in detectable absorption or resonance signals. However, light–matter interactions are limited due to the inherently short optical path length of the interface. Here, we report the ultrasensitive detection of electrocatalytic processes enhanced by waveguide-engineered modal interference. We show that, by modulating the microfiber diameter so that the group phase velocity of beating modes approaches equalization, the substantially enhanced refractive index sensitivity enables accurate capture of chemical dynamics near the electrode surface, presenting a clear “eye diagram” related to the methanol oxidation reaction during operando studies.","PeriodicalId":53,"journal":{"name":"Nano Letters","volume":"57 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":9.6000,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Nano Letters","FirstCategoryId":"88","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c00280","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"CHEMISTRY, MULTIDISCIPLINARY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Optical detection and sensing have been widely applied to electrochemical systems, and their cutting-edge technology is creating current trends in operando characterization. The mass transfer at the electrode–electrolyte interface induces not only the electron exchange but also the changes in optical properties such as dielectric constants, resulting in detectable absorption or resonance signals. However, light–matter interactions are limited due to the inherently short optical path length of the interface. Here, we report the ultrasensitive detection of electrocatalytic processes enhanced by waveguide-engineered modal interference. We show that, by modulating the microfiber diameter so that the group phase velocity of beating modes approaches equalization, the substantially enhanced refractive index sensitivity enables accurate capture of chemical dynamics near the electrode surface, presenting a clear “eye diagram” related to the methanol oxidation reaction during operando studies.
期刊介绍:
Nano Letters serves as a dynamic platform for promptly disseminating original results in fundamental, applied, and emerging research across all facets of nanoscience and nanotechnology. A pivotal criterion for inclusion within Nano Letters is the convergence of at least two different areas or disciplines, ensuring a rich interdisciplinary scope. The journal is dedicated to fostering exploration in diverse areas, including:
- Experimental and theoretical findings on physical, chemical, and biological phenomena at the nanoscale
- Synthesis, characterization, and processing of organic, inorganic, polymer, and hybrid nanomaterials through physical, chemical, and biological methodologies
- Modeling and simulation of synthetic, assembly, and interaction processes
- Realization of integrated nanostructures and nano-engineered devices exhibiting advanced performance
- Applications of nanoscale materials in living and environmental systems
Nano Letters is committed to advancing and showcasing groundbreaking research that intersects various domains, fostering innovation and collaboration in the ever-evolving field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.