Two-dimensional control of electrochemical surface potentials

Abstract

A method for providing a two dimensional spatially varying surface potential on a surface of a conductive substrate and use thereof. The method comprises providing a conductive substrate having a first conductive surface and comprising an array of “n” electrical potential contact points spatially arranged in two dimensions on the first conductive surface, wherein “n” is at least 3. An electrical potential is then applied to each of the “n” electrical contact points, wherein the electrical potentials applied to at least two of the “n” electrical potential contact points are different. Also disclosed are methods and applications for use of the methods disclosed herein.

1 . A system for discovering a target from a plurality of candidates of materials and/or processes, comprising:
 (IVA) a substrate having a surface on which: (i) a defined non-linearly spatially varying electric field can be established; (ii) a source material can be supplied; and (iii) the source material can undergo an electrochemical process in the presence of the electric field to generate a plurality of candidates; and   (IVB) a measuring device for measuring the performance of the candidates.   
     
     
         2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the candidates are material candidates, and the system further comprises:
 (IVC) an analyzing device for determining the composition of a candidate.   
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the substrate (IVA) and the measuring device (IVB) are such that in-situ measurement of the performance of a plurality of candidates can be carried out in-situ on the surface. 
     
     
         4 . A system for detecting a target substance in a media, comprising:
 (VA) a substrate having a surface capable of forming thereon: (a1) a defined non-linearly spatially varying electric field; and (a2) a layer of marking molecules sensitive to the target substance, having a defined pattern in response to the defined non-linearly spatially varying electric field, said defined pattern comprising a target area where the target substance can selectively bind;   (VB) a detecting device for detecting the presence and/or concentration of a target substance at the target area.   
     
     
         5 . A system for detecting the presence and/or concentration of a target substance in a media, comprising:
 (VIA) an electrically conductive substrate having a surface capable of: (aa1) allowing a defined non-linearly spatially varying electric field to be established thereon; and (aa2) allowing the target substance to undergo an electrochemical reaction thereon in response to the defined non-linearly spatially varying electric field; and   (VIB) a first device for detecting the occurrence of the electrochemical reaction.   
     
     
         6 . A system according to  claim 5 , further comprising:
 (VIC) a second device for determining the presence and/or concentration of the target substance in the media according to an algorithm correlating the location of the reaction to the presence and/or concentration of the target substance.