Conclusion

Coupling electrochemistry, and more specifically a device for local electrochemical measurements (inspired by SECM) with surface analysis techniques such as near-field microscopy (mainly AFM and STM), is a clever and potentially powerful way of multiplying by ten the means of studying and realizing electrochemical phenomena at electrochemical interfaces with optimum, if possible nanometric, resolution. While the coupling of AFM and STM with electrochemical control of the sample does not present any technological hurdles a priori, its use requires extensive mastery of these two techniques in an electrolytic environment, as well as rigorous, detailed and relevant analysis of the phenomena observed and the measurements obtained. This is why these couplings are still mainly used by specialists (still few in number) in both these two techniques and electrochemistry. For the time being, the development...