Electrochemistry in conductive nanopipettes

Abstract

Conductive nanopipettes have been recognized as powerful tools for the electrochemical measurements and imaging of various analytes of interests (i.e. ions, molecules, nanoparticles and cells), owing to the nanometer-sized tip, tuneable pipette geometry, and rich charge transport features. Meanwhile, the confined electroactive interface inside the nanopipette would bring many new electrochemical behaviours which is quite different from their bulk counterpart. Studying these novel electrochemical processes in the conductive nanopipettes not only reveals the new physical insights in the electrochemistry at confined spaces, but also advances the emerging applications of nanopipettes for chemical analysis. This review summarizes the recent progress of conductive nanopipettes in the fabrication strategies, fundamental charge transport processes, and applications, highlighting their new electrochemical features and future prospects in analytical chemistry at the nanoscale.