Local redox activity
feedback mode
Material Analysis · Microscopy & Imaging
Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM)
Characterise local redox activity, reaction-rate and transport contrast, and electrochemical heterogeneity across a surface using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£45 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 12 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- BioLogic M470AMETEK VersaSCAN
- Typical outputs
- Electrochemical activity mapsApproach curvesLocal current, potential, or kinetic profilesMethod-specific images
Why this test
What SECM can help you understand
Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy is selected when the project needs defensible information on local redox activity, reaction-rate and transport contrast, or electrochemical heterogeneity across a surface. A…
Reaction-rate and transport contrast
substrate generation-tip collection
Electrochemical heterogeneity across a surface
potentiometric or combined optical/electrochemical mapping
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the instrument
The measurement mode, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to learn from the sample.
Feedback mode
local redox activity
- Best used when
- local redox activity
- Typical result
- Electrochemical activity maps
- Preparation note
- Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review.
Substrate generation-tip collection
reaction-rate and transport contrast
- Best used when
- reaction-rate and transport contrast
- Typical result
- Approach curves
- Preparation note
- State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted.
Potentiometric or combined optical/electrochemical mapping
electrochemical heterogeneity across a surface
- Best used when
- electrochemical heterogeneity across a surface
- Typical result
- Local current, potential, or kinetic profiles
- Preparation note
- Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, measurement conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Electrochemical activity maps reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Approach curves supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Local current, potential, or kinetic profiles provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Method-specific images included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to send
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the region, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample or input | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Powder / particles | Provide a dry, homogeneous and clearly labelled sample in a sealed container. | Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review. |
| Film / coating | Provide the coated substrate or a flat film with the test surface and coating side clearly marked. | State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted. |
| Biological / soft material | Provide fixed, preserved or otherwise stabilised material in the agreed container and medium. | Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements. |
| Test coupon / specimen | Provide labelled specimens prepared to the agreed geometry, orientation and surface condition. | Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates. |
Region of interest: include a marked image, sketch or reference when the target feature is localised.
Handling: declare hazardous, magnetic, volatile, moisture-sensitive, beam-sensitive or temperature-controlled material before dispatch.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope or interpretation.
What should I send for Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy?
Provide powder / particles, film / coating, biological / soft material, test coupon / specimen as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For local redox activity, start with feedback mode; add substrate generation-tip collection when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 12 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Probe-surface distance and convection strongly affect resolution. The electrolyte and mediator may alter the surface being studied.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope SECM correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Marked region of interest where relevant
- Required comparison, output and reporting depth