In situ soft X-ray dynamic microscopy of electrochemical processes

We report a pilot study in in situ electrochemical X-ray dynamic microscopy, based on a model system: the anodic and cathodic behaviour of Ag in neutral NaCl and (NH4)2SO4 aqueous solutions. In situ X-ray imaging highlighted mesoscopic features related to corrosion processes, yielding soluble (NH4+ solution) and insoluble (Cl− solution) corrosion products, as well as cathodic growth morphologies. X-ray absorption and phase contrast images were collected, confirming the feasibility of soft X-ray microscopic measurements with lateral resolution down to a few tens of nm in electrochemical cells for operation in a high vacuum environment in presence of liquid electrolytes.