Scanning electrochemical microscopy: a new way of making electrochemical experiments

A short review is given on scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). The historic background of the technique is briefly summarized and the basic pr inciples outlined. The three different directions of its use: chemical micr oscopic imaging, the measuring of physicochemical constants and coefficient s, and use as a micromachining tool are briefly discussed. The general buil t-up of the SECM apparatus is described. Preparation and use of several dif ferent measuring tips are introduced. A few examples are given of the appli cation of SECM measurement in different studies.