Electrochemical correlative microscopy: Discovering insights into structure–reactivity relationships for electrochemical energy conversion and storage

Abstract

Electrochemical correlative microscopy involves the pairing of electrochemical measurements with one or multiple orthogonal microscopic techniques. By integrating electrochemical measurements, especially scanning electrochemical probe microscopies (SEPMs), with correlative optical microscopy, spectroscopy, or electron microscopies, rich information complimentary to the electrochemical measurement can be obtained. This information can reveal detailed structure–property–activity relationships at electrochemical interfaces. Additionally, they can showcase visualizations of electrochemical phase transitions or mechanisms and assist in high-throughput synthesis and screening of materials for various electrochemical applications. In this perspective, we will use a few examples highlighting advances in electrochemical correlative microscopy over the past two years, focusing on the theme involving electrochemical energy storage and conversion. We anticipate new fundamental understanding of electrochemical interfaces will be elucidated through multitechnique platforms, and the outlook of future development of electrochemical correlative microscopy will be discussed.