Nanoparticle impact electrochemistry

Abstract This chapter presents recent developments in the use of nanoparticle impact techniques to detect and characterize individual nanoparticles. We initially present the four major nanoparticle impact techniques utilized to date: blocking impacts of electrochemically inactive nanoparticles on an ultramicroelectrode (UME); capacitive impacts of nanoparticles on a potentiostated UME; transformative electrochemical conversion of nanoparticles at a polarized UME; and catalytic nanoparticle impacts through amplification of a faradaic current. Some key uses of nanoparticle impacts are reviewed, including nanoparticle detection; characterization of various metallic, metal oxide, metal halide, polymer, and organic nanoparticles; and electrocatalysis investigations. Practical instrumentation and analysis considerations for nanoparticle impact experiments are summarized. Hereafter, recent, novel experimental configurations used for nanoparticle impact electrochemistry are highlighted, including microjet systems, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, and the combination of impact experiments with optical methods as well as nanopipette and nanogap systems.