From ensemble electrochemistry to nanoparticle-impact electrochemistry: Altered reaction process and possible applications

Nanoparticle-impact electrochemistry (NIE) is an electroanalytical method based on the stochastic collisions of individual nanoparticles onto an inert ultramicroelectrode. In this article, we overview different characteristics of NIE-based reactions from their ensemble counterpart, that is, enhanced mass transport, intermittent working mode, and reduced reaction time scale. A particular interest is focused on the survey of the resulting changes in the reaction process regarding enhanced reaction efficiency and rate, altered selectivity, and improved catalyst stability. A summary of the application prospect of NIE is followed, and existing challenges are provided.