Photo-electrochemical properties of quantum rods studied by scanning electrochemical microscopy.

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is used for studying the intrinsic photo-electrochemical properties of CdSe/CdS quantum rods. They are deposited on a transparent and non-conductive glass plate and investigated by SECM in feedback and generator-collector modes using a series of redox mediators. The method allows the interrogation of the quantum rods under illumination without the interference of the substrate, notably that due to the electron photo-ejection from the substrate, a process that is inherent to any polarized electrode material.