Electrochemistry of Single Nanoparticles and Single Molecules

We develop and use highly sensitive methods to study single metal nanoparticles and single molecules. The goal of this research is to address fundamental questions in nanoparticle-based heterogeneous catalysis which are otherwise difficult to study with nanoparticle ensembles. Using these methods, we wish to develop a more detailed understanding of electron transfer processes at the electrode/solution interface.

Electrochemical Imaging of Neuronal Activity with Massive Arrays

The secretion of neurotransmitters plays a central role in neuronal communication and is associated with many brain disorders. Microelectrodes can detect oxidizable neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine) at single cells with extrordinary spitial and temporal resolutions. We are developing a new analytical method to image dopamine release at nanoscale with millions of nanoelectrodes. This research will help us to understand many basic processes involved in neuronal secretion and brain functions.