Decoding Mass Transport in Electrochemical Systems via in situ Laser Interferometry

Abstract

Probing ion transport dynamics at electrode-electrolyte interfaces is essential for advancing electrochemical energy technologies. Among various diagnostic methods, laser interferometry stands out as a label-free, non-invasive optical technique with high spatiotemporal resolution, which is uniquely suited for in-situ visualization of interfacial concentration fields. This work outlines the fundamental optical principles and system configurations of laser interferometry, including Mach-Zehnder interferometers and digital holography. Key data processing strategies for concentration field reconstruction are presented, including spanning fringe shift analysis, phaseshifting interferometry, and digital holography. Representative applications are discussed, with a focus on interfacial concentration evolution, metal electrodeposition and dendrite growth, and mass transport under magnetic or convective effects. By bridging optical interferometry with electrochemical interface science, this work provides a comprehensive methodological framework and offers practical guidance for researchers exploring mass transport phenomena and optimizing the performance of electrochemical systems.