eSPARK International Summer School on Experimental Electrochemistry

The aim of this practical is to learn how to prepare a glass sealed voltammetric microelectrode using easily accessible materials and equipment. We will visually assess the size and quality of the electrode using optical microscopy, renew its surface through manual and electrochemical polishing. In the end we will learn how to estimate its size using steady-state voltammetry.

This practical aims to familiarize you with the basics of scanning electrochemical microscopy. We will measure the size of the active part of the SECM tip (probe) and the size of its insulating sheath using positive and negative feedback approach curves. In the end we will assess the local heterogeneous rate constant by fitting a feedback mode approach curve.

During this experiment, we will prepare two types of ion-selective electrodes (with internal electrolyte and solid state) and verify their performance. We will assess their sensitivity and linear range and in the end determine selectivity coefficients for different ions.

This practical aims to familiarize you with the basics of classical polarizable interface ion-transfer setup. We will learn how to assemble the ITIES cell and distinguish between ion-transfer and electron transfer events.

In this exercise we will learn the basics of three-phase junction electrochemistry performing experiments in a droplet system and with a wire setup. We will check what is how the type of ion and its concentration influence the observed ion-transfer process.

In this exercise we will polymerize three different polymers and check their impact on the electrochemical signal. We will characterize the layers using SEM and AFM. In the end prepare a calibration curve with a molecularly imprinted polymer biosensor (provided by the organizers).

During this exercise we will prepare indium-tin oxide (ITO) band electrodes and assemble a microfluidic system with a PDMS channel. Next we will observe the influence of flow rate on the measured current in cyclic voltammetry.

During this exercise we will prepare simple low-cost electrochemical setups made from paper and double sided tape. We will check how they can be used for prototyping and as Point-of-care systems by testing their analytical parameters.

In this practical we will learn about most traditional electrochemical hydrodynamic setup the rotating disc electrode. We will observe a generation-collection process using a rotating ring disc electrode (RRDE) and calculate the limiting and kinetic current using Koutecky-Levich equation.

We will explore differential pulse and square-wave voltammetry and they use in analytical electrochemistry. Such techniques can be used to minimize background charging currents, therefore first we will learn how to prepare screen-printed electrodes, that are quite porous and can better demonstrate advantages of those techniques.  

During this exercise you will understand impedance of simple elements of electric circuits and record spectra of basic equivalent circuits of electrochemical cells. Next you will determine the electrode process rate constant and electrical double layer capacitance in a simple electrochemical system.

In this practical we will fabricate a perovskite photovoltaic device. After cleaning of the ITO/FTO substrate we will deposit the electron transport layer, the perovskite layer and the hole transport layer. After deposition of the metal contacts we will test and characterize the device.