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Potentiostat / galvanostat / EIS

Galvanostats or potentiostats are constructed to conduct electrochemical tests in applications like corrosion, coatings, batteries, general electrochemistry, and more. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is available as an option with each instrument. This analysis method is used for studies of corrosion, batteries, photovoltaic systems and in some life science applications. There are other options, including a wide choice of current and voltage boosters.

How does a p-potentiostat / galvanostat function?

A simple potentiostat employs three electrodes (2 or 4 electrode connections are also possible). It regulates and monitors the current difference between a working electrode and a reference electrode which is a constant current. It determines the flow of the current between the electrode that is working and the counter electrode (that completes the cell circuit). As a galvanostat, the device controls the cell’s current rather than the cell voltage.

The electrode used to work could be a metallic surface on where a reaction is taking place or if corrosion is measured or tests – a sample of corroded material. To test batteries the potentiostat is attached directly to the electrodes of the battery.

Electrochemical Impedance Spectrum (EIS) tests enable the user to determine the resistance of charge transfer, double layer capacitance and the ohmic resistance.

What are the advantages of using a potentiostat / galvanostat / EIS?

A potentiostat is crucial for studying the electrochemical mechanisms that cause reactions, e.g. chemical redox reactions. Another use is the testing of batteries. Potentiostats can also be used to check for electrochemically active compounds (e.g. chemicals, toxins, etc.)) and microbes.

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a tool with many uses. It can be used to study corrosion e.g. in reinforced concrete, but also in electrode kinetics, batteries, double-layer studies photovoltaics and solid state electrochemistry systems.

Our potentiostat / galvanostat / EIS systems

A key element in the functioning of a potentiostat / galvanostat and other applications such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is the software. All of our BioLogic instruments are controlled by the highly flexible EC-Lab(r) software, to provide a variety of measurement modes, as well as various options for modular methods, with loop and delay options for creating a complicated experimental chain. The software can also be used to control several potentiostats from one interface.

A variety of quality indicators will enable users to confirm their EIS experimentswith respect to linearity, non-stationarity or noise.

Furthermore, in contrast to the majority of other systems, it is 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 the uses of potentiostats / galvanostats / EIS

Metallic surfaces can become corrosive while in contact with a corrosive liquid (mostly an acidic solution). By using electrochemical methods you can analyze the behavior of the metal when submerged in a corrosive solution. Galvanostats and Potentiostats are used to study the properties of these metallics. Techniques such as e.g. EIS (Electrochemical Impedance) (EIS), Linear Polarization Resistance and Tafel Plot experiments are used to study the behavior in the different metals.

Solar cells are everywhere these days. Solar energy is crucial to the national, regional, and local energy production. In order to improve the efficiency of this energy source much research is conducted. Photovoltaic solar cells ‘ characterization can be accomplished through polarization and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy techniques, which permit the user to measure the effectiveness of the cell and develop a mathematical model. The role of electrochemistry in Energy fields is a current hot topic.