Data Analysis and Processing in Video Rate Electrochemical Scanning
Probe Microscopy
Supervisors: Dr. Kim McKelvey and Prof. Patrick R. Unwin
Background
The Warwick Electrochemistry and Interfaces group is a world leading research group which
specialises in the development and application of electrochemical scanning probe microscopy (ECSPM). We fabricate new types of nanoscale multifunction probes;1 develop new techniques to place
a probe precisely (within nanometres) over a sample;2 and investigating a wide range of
physicochemical processes (such as crystal growth and dissolution,3 the properties of diamond,4
carbon nanotubes5 and graphene6, and biophysical systems7) at the micro and nanoscale.
EC-SPM involves the use of a tiny, mobile, probe containing an electrode, which can be used to
monitor and/or perturb the chemical environment adjacent to a sample. Typically the probe is
scanned laterally over a sample and maps of the local chemical environment are constructed. As part
of our continued development of EC-SPM we are moving towards fast probe scanning, approaching
multiple maps per second (it is current typical for a single map to take 30 minutes).
This project will involve working with the data generated by our new fast scanning technique, and in
particular constructing two dimensional maps of the electrochemical sensor response. Our fast
scanning protocol uses a spiral scanning pattern, and therefore the data points are unevenly
distributed.8 Using image reconstruction methods, such as inpainting, the student will develop
protocols and code to automatically generate 2D maps. This project will also involve learning the
basics of EC-SPM and running some simple experiments.
This miniproject builds directly on current research within the Warwick Electrochemistry and
Interfaces group and so can be successfully completed within the time frame. This project would be
a great entry point into nanoscience, and electrochemical sensors, and could lead to interesting PhD
projects.
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Nadappuram, B. P.; McKelvey, K.; Al Botros, R.; Colburn, A. W.; Unwin, P. R. Anal. Chem. 2013, 85, 8070–4.
Ebejer, N.; Güell, A. G.; Lai, S. C. S.; McKelvey, K.; Snowden, M. E.; Unwin, P. R. Ann. Rev. Anal. Chem. 2013, 6, 329–351.
Kinnear, S. L.; McKelvey, K.; Snowden, M. E.; Peruffo, M.; Colburn, A. W.; Unwin, P. R. Langmuir 2013, 29, 15565–72.
Patten, H. V.; Meadows, K. E.; Hutton, L. A.; Iacobini, J. G.; Battistel, D.; McKelvey, K.; Colburn, A. W.; Newton, M. E.;
Macpherson, J. V.; Unwin, P. R. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2012, 51, 7002–7006.
Güell, A. G.; Meadows, K. E.; Dudin, P. V; Ebejer, N.; Macpherson, J. V; Unwin, P. R. Nano Lett. 2014, 14, 220–4.
Kirkman, P. M.; Güell, A. G.; Cuharuc, A. S.; Unwin, P. R. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 36–9.
Grime, J. M. A.; Edwards, M. A.; Rudd, N. C.; Unwin, P. R. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2008, 105, 14277–14282.
Ziegler, D.; Meyer, T. R.; Farnham, R.; Brune, C.; Bertozzi, A. L.; Ashby, P. D. Nanotechnology 2013, 24, 335703.