ABSTRACT
This chapter cover the historical background of the technique, the basic principles of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), and an overview of some of its applications. An understanding of the operation of the SECM and an appreciation of the quantitative aspects of measurements with this instrument depend upon an understanding of electrochemistry at small electrodes. Most SECM measurements involve steady-state current measurements. This can be a significant convenience in the measurement of kinetics, even for rapid processes, under conditions where factors like double layer charging and adsorption do not contribute to the observed currents. The SECM can also be used as a tool for modification of surfaces. For example, metals or semiconductors can be etched or metals can be deposited on a surface by passing the tip close to the surface and carrying out an appropriate electrochemical reaction.
