Electrochemical cell, use of the electrochemical cell, and method for electrolytically contacting and electrochemically influencing a surface

摘要

An electrochemical cell for electrolytically contacting and electrochemically inspecting surfaces which makes electrolytic contact with the surface through a body utilizing capillary action. The capillary force between surface and body utilizing capillary action prevents the electrolyte from escaping from the cell without the use of a sealing ring. The body utilizing capillary action allows the electrolyte to flow from an open porous container and wet the surface when the electrochemical cell contacts the surface. Escape of material from the open cell is prevented by the capillary action of the container and of the tip when the electrochemical cell is lifted from the surface. The electrochemical cell is independent of the force of gravity and enables measurements to be made on surfaces of any orientation. The electrochemical cell may be used to perform a multiplicity of electrochemical investigations and processes. The electrochemical cell may be moved over the surface continuously, thereby allowing electrochemical investigations or processes to be performed with lateral resolution. Due to the use of a maintenance-free reference electrode, the electrochemical cell may prefabricated commercially in complete form and stored for extended periods of time after closing.