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 μs and the time resolution of IR spectra can reach as fast as 10 μs. 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.