EC-STM
Operando STM for electrochemistry
Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (EC-STM) for liquid-solid interfaces
Leiden Probe Microscopy’s EC-STM makes operando STM accessible for electrochemistry research.
01 Electrochemistry and morphology correlation
EC-STM allows to combine simultaneously conventional electrochemical techniques with STM imaging at the sample surface. EC-STM correlative studies provide unique insights to rationally improve materials and reaction conditions, in catalysis, corrosion or material studies
02 Optimal resolution and stability
EC-STM enables atomic-resolution imaging of electrode–electrolyte interfaces in liquids. For hour-long measurement, the system also offers high stability when monitoring large-scale structural changes at electrodes under operating conditions.
03 Standard electrochemical conditions
Standard electrochemical conditions are accessible for measurements in the EC-STM cell: a protective gas environment allows for oxygen-free operation and liquid lines allow for remote electrolyte filling and flow.
04 Customizable electrochemical cell
Electrochemical studies require flexibility in the design of the cell. The standard interface leaves flexibility to design cell compartments that can accommodate a variety of sample types, counter and conventional reference electrodes.
05 Accessible, reliable, maximized up-time
No prior experience in scanning probe microscopy is required to operate our EC-STM: a dedicated training at installation and on-demand online and on-site support from our team of experts ensures researchers can focus on their research.
Leiden Probe Microscopy offers STM in electrochemical cells for operando research. The EC-STM is designed to ensure optimal stability and resolution under electrochemical conditions.
| EC-STM scanning head | |
| STM scan range (X,Y) | 3 × 3 µm |
| STM scan range (Z) | 0.85 µm |
| Drift (X, Y, Z) | < 5 nm/min |
| STM resolution | Atoms on HOPG (< 0.24 nm X,Y) |
| STM stability | >4h on large scanning areas (typical 300 x 300 nm) |
| Coarse travel range (X,Y) | 3 mm x 3 mm |
| EC-STM cell and environment control | |
| Electrochemical cell | Kel-F (customizable design) |
| Sample types | Single crystals, metal disks, thin films, membranes |
| Reference electrode | Ag/AgCl, RHE, metal wires pseudo-reference |
| Counter electrode | Metal wire (customizable) |
| EC techniques | LSV, CV, CA, CP, OCP, EIS |
| Electrolyte/liquid flow | Exchangeable PTFE tubing (inlet/outlet) |
| Sample transfer | Optional -- controlled-atmosphere transfer shuttle and rod for the cell |
| Gas environment | Slight overpressure of inert gas (N2, Ar) |
| Optical Access | Included (tip-sample approach monitoring) |
| Acoustic enclosure | Included |
| Faraday cage | Included |
| Vibration Isolation | Active vibration isolation (included) |
| Control electronics | |
| SPM controller | Specs Nanonis Mimea BP5e/BP6e control system |
| High-voltage driver | LPM HV Driver |
| IV converter (tip) | Low Noise High Stability Basel Precision Instruments (SP983c - 02-LSK) |
| Potentiostat/Galvanostat | Applied voltage: +/- 6 V; Current ranges: 10 nA - 100 mA (maximum +/- 200 mA) |
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We encourage you to get in touch with us without any hesitation! We are eager to learn more about your work and explore how we can assist you in achieving your goals.
Typical applications
What our technology can do for you
Electrochemistry and morphology correlation
Electrochemical STM (EC-STM) adapts STM for operation in electrolyte: From functional materials for energy conversion or storage to corrosion research, EC-STM bridges the gap between a material’s electrochemical response and its structure at the atomic scale. EC-STM reveals how local morphology, inhomogeneities, and dynamic structural changes evolve under potential control. Long-term measurements offer access to surface evolution and degradation processes, essential to rationally improve materials and reaction conditions.
Standard EC Conditions and Cell customization
The platform enables STM imaging under realistic electrochemical conditions, combining standard electrochemical techniques and controlled gas and electrolyte environment, bridging the gap between surface science and real world electrochemical systems.
A standardized interface allows seamless integration of custom-designed electrochemical cells, ensuring maximum flexibility without compromising usability. As each experiment has unique requirements (electrolyte, sample type and geometries, counter and reference electrode), this interface ensures that any custom cell remains fully compatible with the system’s sample transfer mechanism, electronic connections, and fluid handling infrastructure.
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Get in contact with us
In case you are looking for more in-depth discussions about our technology and whether it could help your experimental work, feel free to reach out. Jessika would be happy to have a chat.
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