Recent advances in real-time and in situ analysis of an electrode–electrolyte interface by mass spectrometry

Abstract

Electrode–electrolyte interface (EEI) analysis is of great significance in the investigation of electrochemical (EC) processes. Current ex situ surface techniques provided rich information of the structural/chemical composition of the EEI. However, real-time and in situ monitoring of the EEI is in great demand for a better understanding of the dynamic changes of the redox systems. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a useful technique for mass-resolved analysis of various analytes with the capability of on-line measurement. In this review, we give a brief overview of the development of online EC–MS techniques. Recent advances of well-established EC–MS techniques, such as differential electrochemical mass spectrometry and EC–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and their applications are summarized. Specifically, some newly designed EC reactors coupled with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry for the detection of short-lived intermediate species are highlighted.