Spectroelectrochemistry

The aim of the chapter is to show the importance and utility of coupling electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques as well as the ways to perform such measurements from the operative point of view. In the introduction three paradigmatic examples are illustrated evidencing the potentials of the spectroelectrochemical measurements to characterize species in unusual oxidation states and, in the case of supramolecular systems, to establish the occurrence of conformational rearrangements or mechanical movements. Then, general considerations on the electrochemical methods aimed at obtaining absorption and emission spectra of oxidized and reduces species, like chronoamperometry and chronocoulometry, are discussed. Finally, technical details concerning electrodes to be used and cell design suitable to perform absorption and emission measurements are reported. Problems that can be faced by employing these techniques are also briefly illustrated.