| Abstract | In single-channel scanning electrochemical cell microscopy, the pipette usually approaches the sample surface by applying a potential while simultaneously monitoring the current. The movement of the pipette is halted once the transient current reaches a set threshold, indicating droplet–surface contact. In corrosion studies, it has been reported that the transient current can affect subsequent electrochemical measurements by polarizing the metal surface. Herein, a chronopotentiometric approach method, which involves applying a constant zero current and simultaneously monitoring the potential, is compared with the typical chronoamperometric approach method. The surface change is minimized when the chronoamperometric approach method is used, as confirmed by extracting the charge transfer resistance from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in scanning electrochemical cell microscopy. This study demonstrates that the chronopotentiometric approach method with a zero approach current alleviates the risks of changing the surface of interest. It highlights the capability of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy to investigate the properties of pristine surfaces, thereby extending the potential applications of this technique. |
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