Potentiostat / galvanostat / EIS
Potentiostats / galvanostats are designed to measure electrochemical properties in various applications, including corrosion coatings, batteries general electrochemistry and many more. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is an option with each instrument. The method of analysis is used to study corrosion photovoltaic systems, batteries and in certain life science applications. There are other options, including a wide assortment of voltage and current boosters.
How does a p-potentiostat / galvanostat work?
A basic potentiostat uses a three electrode system (2 or 4 electrode connections are also feasible). It controls and measures the voltage difference between a work electrode and a reference electrode which has a constant voltage. It measures the current flow between the working electrode and the counter electrode (that completes the cell circuit). In a galvanostat, the device controls the cell’s current not the voltage of the cell.
The electrode of the working circuit could be a material on which a reaction takes place or – for corrosion measurements or tests – a sample of degraded material. To test batteries the potentiostat must be connected directly to the electrodes of the battery.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) tests permit users to calculate charge transfer resistance double layer capacitance as well as Ohmic resistance.
Why should you use a Potentiostat / galvanostat/EIS?
A potentiostat is vital for the study of the electrochemical mechanisms that cause reactions, e.g. chemical redox reactions. Another application is testing of batteries. Potentiostats are also used to detect electrochemically active substances (e.g. poisons, drugs) and microbes in solutions.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) has numerous applications. It is utilized to study corrosion e.g. in reinforced concrete and in double-layer studies, batteries, photovoltaic and solid-state electrochemistry systems.
Our potentiostat / galvanostat / EIS systems
The most important aspect of a potentiostat / galvanostat and applications like electrochemical spectroscopy is the software. All our BioLogic instruments are controlled by the very flexible EC-Lab(r) software. It can provide a variety modes, with different options for modular methods, with loop and delay options to create complex experimental chain. This software is also able to control multiple potentiostats through one interface view.
A broad range of quality indicators will assist users to test their EIS experiment, particularly with regards to non-stationarity, linearity, or noise.
Furthermore, in contrast to many other systems, It is also possible to ‘Modify at will’, i.e. alter the settings of a parameter during an experiment when results aren’t as you would expect.
Examples of applications of potentiostats and galvanostats / EIS
Metallic surfaces can corrosion when they come into contact with a corrosive solution (mostly acidic media). With electrochemical techniques you can analyze the behavior of the metal when submerged in an corrosive solution. Potentiostats / galvanostats are used to characterize the behaviour of the metals. Methods such as e.g. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Linear Polarization Resistance and Tafel Plot experiments are used to characterize the behavior for the metallic compounds.
Cells that produce photovoltaic energy are all over the place these days. Solar energy is crucial in the national, regional, and local energy production. To increase the efficiency of this energy source much research is carried out. Characterization of solar cells for photovoltaics can be accomplished through polarization and Electrochemical Impedance Spectrum techniques, that permit users to measure the effectiveness of the cell and analyze. The electrochemistry’s role within energy fields is a current hot topic.
