Abstract: Microelectrodes, microelectrode formation, and methods of utilizing microelectrodes for characterizing properties of localized environments and substrates are provided. A microelectrode can include a tungsten wire comprising a shaft and a conical tip. The conical tip can include an electroactive area. Further, the microelectrode can include an electroactive coating layer covering one or more surface of the tungsten wire. The tungsten wire surfaces can include a surface of the conical tip. An insulating layer can at least partially cover the shaft.

Abstract: An electrochemically generated field desorption emitter for use in mass spectrometry, and a process for forming such an emitter by immersing a metal support, as a first electrode, and a second electrode in an electrolytic liquid mixture having appropriate concentration of a metal compound, and applying a plurality of short duration, electrical pulses between the electrodes. The emitter so formed comprises an elongated metal support having a plurality of metal dendrites extending in a generally radially outwardly direction therefrom.

Abstract: An electrochemically generated field desorption emitter for use in mass spectrometry, and a process for forming such an emitter by immersing a metal support, as a first electrode, and a second electrode in an electrolytic liquid mixture having appropriate concentration of a metal compound, and applying a plurality of short duration, electrical pulses between the electrodes. The emitter so formed comprises an elongated metal support having a plurality of metal dendrites extending in a generally radially outwardly direction therefrom.