Potentiostat / galvanostat / EIS
Potentiostats/galvanostats are designed to perform electrochemical measurements for applications like corrosion coatings, batteries, general electrochemistry, and more. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is an option with each instrument. This technique is utilized for studying corrosion, batteries, photovoltaic systems and in various applications in life sciences. Other options include a broad range of current and voltage boosters.
What exactly is a potentiostat and galvanostat function?
The basic potentiostat utilizes three electrodes (2 or four electrode connections are possible). It is a device that measures and controls the current difference between a working electrode and a reference electrode , which is of constant potential. It measures the current flow between the electrode that is working and the counter electrode (that completes the circuit of cells). As a galvanostat instrument regulates the current of the cell not the voltage of the cell.
The working electrode may be a material on where a reaction is taking place or if corrosion is measured it is a sample of the degraded material. For testing batteries the potentiostat is attached directly to the electrodes of the battery.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) tests permit the user to assess the resistance of charge transfer double layer capacitance, the ohmic resistance.
What are the advantages of using a potentiostat / galvanostat / EIS?
A potentiostat is essential for the study of reaction mechanisms in electrochemistry, e.g. the study of redox chemistry. Another purpose is to test the performance of batteries. Potentiostats are also used to identify electrochemically active substances (e.g. chemicals, toxins) as well as microbes that are in solution.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a tool with many uses. It is used to study corrosion e.g. in reinforced concrete, but also in batteries, double-layer studies solid-state electrochemistry, and photovoltaic systems.
Our potentiostat / galvanostat / EIS systems
A key element in the functioning of a galvanostat/potentiostat and other applications, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is the application. All of our BioLogic instruments are controlled by the highly flexible EC-Lab(r) software, to provide a range of measurement modes, using various modes of control, such as loop and wait options to build a complex chain of experiments. It is also able to control multiple potentiostats with one interface.
An array of quality indicators will allow users to validate their EIS experiment, particularly with regards to linearity, non-stationarity and noise.
Additionally, unlike many other systems, It is also possible to modify on the fly’, i.e. change the settings for parameters during an experiment , if the results aren’t as you would expect.
Examples of how to use potentiostats /galvanostats/EIS
Metal surfaces can corrosion while in contact with corrosive solutions (mostly acidic media). By using electrochemical methods you can examine the behavior of the metal when submerged in an corrosive liquid. Galvanostats or potentiostats can be used to characterize the characteristics of metals. Techniques like e.g. Electrochemical Impedance Spectrum (EIS), Linear Polarization Resistance and Tafel Plot experiments are used to determine the behavior in the different metals.
Solar cells appear everywhere today. Solar energy is essential in the national, regional, and local energy production. In order to improve the efficiency of such an energy supply it is essential that a lot of research is carried out. Photovoltaic solar cells characterization can be achieved through polarization or Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy methods, which allow the user to analyze the performance of the cells and model. The contribution of the electrochemistry in the energy fields is currently a hot subject.