Electrochemical Real-Time Mass Spectrometry (EC-RTMS): Monitoring Electrochemical Reaction Products in Real Time

Methods that provide real-time information are essential to resolve transients occurring at dynamic interfaces. Now a powerful method is presented that enables the time- and potential-resolved characterization of liquid and gaseous products of electrochemical reactions shortly after their formation. To demonstrate its extraordinary potential, the electrochemical real time mass spectrometry (EC-RTMS) approach is used to determine the products of the CO reduction reaction (CO RR) during potential step or sweep experiments on pristine and in situ anodized copper. The enhanced formation of several C products over C products is tracked directly after copper anodization, with unprecedented temporal resolution. This new technique creates exciting new opportunities for resolving processes that occur at short timescales and eventually for guiding the design of new, robust catalysts for selective electrosynthesis under dynamic operation.