Quantification of complex electrode reactions with differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, challenges and perspectives

Differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) is a powerful in situ technique for quantitative analysis of reactants/products from electrochemical reactions. It has been widely applied to deduce reaction mechanisms, the kinetics of different pathways for complex reactions, as well as to the structure-activity relationship. To get reliable data analysis with DEMS, careful and precise calibration of the mass signal as well as background MS signal correction are preconditions. In this chapter, we will give an overview of the methodology of quantitative analysis by DEMS. The effects of water, electrolyte flow rate, and composition of the electrolyte on the accuracy of quantitative analysis in DEMS studies are discussed. Strategies to overcome the challenges which interfere with DEMS are provided.