High-resolution electrochemical imaging for corrosion science, energy materials, catalysis, and bioelectrochemistry. Sensolytics SECM systems combine micro- to nanometer-scale positioning stages, synchronized potentiostatic control, and multiple measurement modes in a single platform to map localized electrochemical reactivity with high precision.
Sensolytics Scanning Droplet Cell (SDC) systems enable spatially resolved electrochemical measurements on heterogeneous surfaces through a localized electrochemical cell formed by controlled contact between the PTFE tip and the sample. Integrated fluid handling, automated positioning, and synchronized electrochemical control ensure highly reproducible measurements without requiring full immersion of the sample. From corrosion research and coating characterization to catalyst screening, SDC systems provide an efficient platform for investigating localized reactivity, electrochemical kinetics, and material stability.
Configure and adapt your SDC system for a wide range of applications using our accessories such as interchangeable SDC tips with different apertures, PEEK SDC bodies for chemically aggressive environments, sample holders, and dedicated organizers for SDC heads and lab components.
The SDC head is the active element of the SDC system, serving as a mobile electrochemical microcell for localized electrochemical measurements. Sensolytics offers a range of interchangeable SDC bodies and tip geometries optimized for different applications, environments, and spatial resolution.
PMMA SDC Bodies
Versatile SDC bodies for standard and routine experiments.
Our PEEK sample holders are designed for stable sample mounting during SDC experiments and include flexible contact arms for direct polarization of the sample. The SDC organizer enables structured storage of SDC heads, tips, and accessories, helping maintain an efficient and organized workspace.
Standard Sample Holder
General-purpose holder for stable positioning of flat substrates.
XL Sample Holder
Extended holder format (175x175 mm) for oversized samples
SDC Organizer
Keeps SDC components protected, organized, and readily accessible.
Choose from miniaturized platinum coil electrodes, Ag/AgCl reference electrodes, and miniaturized hydrogen reference electrodes to match your specific SECM setup.
Reference Electrodes (RE)
Our range of miniaturized reference electrodes includes Ag/AgCl wire pseudo-reference electrodes and mini hydrogen electrodes specifically designed for Scanning Droplet Cell (SDC) systems.
Counter Electrodes (CE)
Our counter electrodes support stable electrochemical measurements across different cell designs, with Pt net electrodes available in customized sizes and shapes, and miniaturized Pt coil electrodes for small-volume setups.
Configure your SECM system with our wide range of accessories for localized electrochemical measurements, including measurement cells, reference and counter electrodes, probe holders, and nanopipettes for SECCM and SICM applications.
From standard cell configurations to small-volume and polarization cells: designed for maximum experimental flexibility.
Standard Measurement Cell
Start with a complete electrochemical cell setup, including a baseplate for manual tilt correction, distance plates, and cells with integrated inlets for reference and counter electrodes, or select individual cell accessories to build your experiment. Designed for flexible integration into a wide range of SECM experiments, the modular system supports the adaptation to different sample sizes and electrolyte conditions. All cells are available in standard PMMA or highly chemically resistant PEEK.
Run SECM experiments under controlled sample polarization with measuring cells designed for convenient electrical contacting. Available for small and large electrolyte volumes, these cells include spring contacts for reliable sample contacting from either the top or the bottom. Customized polarization cell configurations are also available for the investigation of upright stick-type electrodes, allowing electrodes with an outer diameter of 10 mm to be used directly as the sample surface.
Need a specific cell for a particular SECM experiment? Our range of specialized SECM cells is designed for application-specific use cases, including complete measuring cells optimized for screen-printed electrodes, temperature-controlled studies, and flow or gas-controlled experiments. For dynamic environments, our flow cells include two additional tube fittings that can be used as gas inlets or flow-cell connectors, alongside the standard inlets for reference and counter electrodes.
Choose from miniaturized platinum coil electrodes, platinum net counter electrodes, Ag/AgCl reference electrodes, and miniaturized hydrogen reference electrodes to match your specific SECM setup.
Reference Electrodes (RE)
Our miniaturized reference electrodes portfolio includes tapered-glass Ag/AgCl electrodes with ceramic frits, Ag/AgCl gel electrodes, mini hydrogen reference electrodes, and replacement electrolyte reservoirs.
Counter Electrodes (CE)
Our counter electrodes support stable electrochemical measurements across different cell designs, with Pt net electrodes available in customized sizes and shapes, and miniaturized Pt coil electrodes for small-volume setups.
Extend your SECM platform for SICM and SECCM applications.
Micro- and Nanopipettes
Explore the extended capabilities of Sensolytics SECM systems for scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). Sensolytics offers a range of micro- and nanopipettes with aperture diameters from 10 µm down to below 1 µm, enabling high-resolution localized measurements.
SICM & SECCM Starting Kits
New in pipette-based techniques? Start with a complete starter kit for SICM and SECCM workflows. The set includes glass micropipettes, Ag/AgCl wires serving as pseudo-reference electrodes, and accessories for pipette filling, handling, storage, and secure electrode fixation. For best performance, the Option High-Res ↗ and a Faraday Cage ↗ are required.
Precision Micro- and Nanoelectrodes for Localized Electrochemistry
Platinum, gold, nickel, and carbon probes, available in a wide range of sizes and geometries, engineered for stable electrochemical measurements, high-resolution images, and multiple SECM modes. With highly customizable designs, Sensolytics SECM probes support reproducible measurements across different applications from corrosion studies to battery research and bioelectrochemistry.
Mechanically robust and easy to polish. Provides high currents (µA-nA range) but limited spatial resolution due to larger diffusion profiles. Suitable for use with the Base SECM System ↗.
Mapping large-area features, patterned surfaces, and high-throughput screening of material libraries where lateral resolution is not critical.
10 - 25 µm diameter
Standard SECM probe size offering a good compromise between robustness, signal level (nA range), and spatial resolution for routine measurements and stable operation. Suitable for use with the Base SECM System ↗.
General-purpose SECM measurements, including kinetic studies, electrocatalysis screening, corrosion analysis, and imaging of biological samples.
1 - 5 µm diameter
High spatial resolution with reduced current levels (pA to low nA). Requires precise positioning and careful approach to avoid tip damage. Recommended use of the Sensolytics Option High-Res ↗.
Localization of electrochemical activity on single cells, detection of enzymatic activity, mapping grain boundaries in metals, and analysis of heterogeneous surfaces and energy materials.
< 1 µm diameter
Nanoscale probes with very high spatial resolution. Extremely fragile and operate at very low currents (pA to fA). Reliable measurements require advanced distance-control techniques. Recommended use of the Sensolytics Option High-Res ↗ and Sensolytics Option Shearforce ↗.
Single-entity electrochemistry (e.g., nanoparticles), nanopore studies, subcellular/intracellular measurements, and investigation of nanoscale features such as solid–electrolyte interphases (SEI) in batteries.
Micro-twin-electrodes (2x25 µm or 2x10 µm diameter)
Dual microelectrode configuration enabling simultaneous detection or generator–collector measurements. Requires a bipotentiostat to polarize both microelectrodes.
Biasing each platinum disk at a different potential to map two distinct redox species concurrently or using one tip as the "generator" (creating a reactant) and the other as the "collector".
Electrochemical Research Systems
Modular instrumentation for localized electrochemistry, droplet-cell analysis, and advanced experimental configurations.
Not sure which configuration fits your experiment?
Contact us to discuss your application, experimental conditions, and configuration requirements. We support system selection and customization based on your individual requirements and future upgrades.