Potentiostat / galvanostat / EIS

Potentiostats / galvanostats are designed to perform electrochemical measurements in the field of corrosion coatings, batteries, general electrochemistry, and more. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is an option with each instrument. This technique is utilized to study corrosion, batteries, photovoltaics, and in some applications in life sciences. Other options include a wide selection of voltage and current boosters.

What is the process by which a potentiostat or galvanostat function?

A basic potentiostat is a three electrode system (2 or four electrode connections are feasible). It controls and measures the voltage difference between a working electrode and a reference one that is of constant potential. It determines the flow of the current between the working electrode and counter electrode (that completes the circuit of cells). It is a galvanostat. The instrument controls the cell current not the voltage of the cell.

The electrode of the working circuit could be a piece of metal on where a reaction is taking place or - in corrosion measurements an example of the affected material. To test batteries, the potentiostat is connected directly to the battery electrodes.

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) experiments permit the user to assess charge transfer resistance double layer capacitance as well as the ohmic resistance.

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

A potentiostat is vital for the study of the mechanisms of electrochemistry in e.g. the redox chemistry. Another function is the testing of batteries. Potentiostats may also be used to determine the presence of electrochemically active substances (e.g. chemicals, toxins) and microbes in solutions.

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) has numerous applications. It is used to study corrosion e.g. in reinforced concrete as well as in batteries, double-layer studies photovoltaic, and solid-state electrochemistry systems.

Our potentiostat / galvanostat / EIS systems

Critical to the functionality of a galvanostat/potentiostat and other applications, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is the software. All our BioLogic instruments are controlled by the very versatile EC-Lab(r) software. This software can offer a variety of measurement options, including various methods of modularization, including loop and wait options to construct a complex experimental chain. The program is also able to control several potentiostats in an interface that is a single view.

A range of high-quality indicators will help users to prove the validity of their EIS experimentswith respect to non-stationarity, linearity, or noise.

Finally, in contrast to other systems, one can  modify in real-time’, i.e. change parameter settings during an experiment in the event that results don’t match up to expectations.

Examples of the uses of potentiostats / galvanostats / EIS

Metallic surfaces could get corroded while in contact with a corrosive solution (mostly acidsic medium). Electrochemical methods can analyze the behavior of the metal submerged in an corrosive liquid. Galvanostats and potentiostats are utilized to analyze the characteristics of metals. Methods such as, e.g. Electrochemical Impedance Spectrum (EIS), Linear Polarization Resistance and Tafel Plot experiments are used to determine the behavior of the metals.

Cells that produce photovoltaic energy appear everywhere today. Solar energy is crucial to the national, regional, and local energy production. To increase the efficiency of such an energy supply much research is being conducted. Photovoltaic solar cells ‘ characterization can be achieved through polarization or Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy methods, that allow users to assess the performance of the cell and develop a mathematical model. The role played by electrochemistry into the energy fields is currently a hot subject.