In situ step-scan time-resolved microscope FTIR spectroscopy working with a thin-layer cell

We report the development of an electrochemical in situ step-scan time-resolved microscope FTIR reflection spectroscopy (in situ SSTR-MFTIRS), which consists of a FTIR spectrometer with step-scan facility, an infrared microscope, a home-made signal synchronizer and a thin-layer IR cell working with a microelectrode. The employment of microelectrode has overcome successfully the inherent disadvantages of thin-layer IR cell in transient response. The time constant of the thin layer IR cell can be reduced to 37 mu s and the time resolution of IR spectra can reach as fast as 10 mu s. The results illustrated that the in situ SSTR-MFTIRS is a promising tool for studying fast dynamic processes and kinetics of electrochemical reactions at molecular level. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.