Nano-Impact Electrochemistry for Assessing the Chemical Reactivity of Nanoparticles

The electrochemical study of particle impacts on electrode is a rapidly developing field which provides the extensive capabilities of nanoparticle detection and characterization. It has demonstrated significant promise for quantification of nanoparticles and characterization in terms of nanoparticle coatings and catalytic activity. In this presentation, we describe the development of an electroanalytical collision technique to characterize the fundamental surface properties, functionalization and redox reactivity of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles by nano-impact electrochemistry.  We will demonstrate the potential of this method: (1) as a screening tool of particle reactivity, (2) study of the adsorption/desorption of environmental contaminants with single particle resolution, and (3) extract mechanistic information that would be predictive of the chemical reactivity of nanoparticles for various applications. We will discuss the potential of this approach to complement or replace costly characterization techniques and enable routine study of nanoparticles and their reactivity.