What is electrochemistry?
Electrochemistry focuses on the connection between the theory of electricity and chemical processes that take place at the contact surface between the electrode as an electron conductor and the electrolyte as an ion conductor. The basis for this are galvanic processes, i.e. the conversion of chemical energy by reduction and oxidation processes into electrical energy and vice versa. These processes are used in numerous areas of energy systems, and researchers are currently working hard to further increase their current and energy densities. The key to this lies in knowledge of electrochemistry.
Electrochemistry and fuel cells?
A fuel cell, for example, converts hydrogen into oxygen and water. In this process, electrical energy is released very efficiently in a proportion of up to 60% of the energy used.
There are 5 different types of fuel cells:
- Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC).
- Alkaline fuel cell (AFC)
- Phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC)
- Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC)
- Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)
Battery test systems
Battery test systems are becoming increasingly important in the age of increasing electromobility and the use of alternative energies. High-performance battery packs are produced by linking hundreds of battery cells to form modules, which in turn can be combined to form entire battery systems. Even the failure of a single battery cell can jeopardize the performance of the entire system.
Battery research as well as battery testing are thus of central importance in order to further increase and stabilize the quality, longevity and performance of the battery cells used.
We carry special measurement systems from various manufacturers for the following issues:
- Basic research: high measurement accuracy at small currents / EIS (electrical impedance spectroscopy): Companies - PalmSens | Ivium
- Characteristic value determination/quality assurance with high measurement throughput: Company Neware
- Special measurements with high requirements: Company MaterialsMates
- Climate and safety chambers: Companies MaterialsMates | Neware
Significance for sensor development?
With the help of electrochemical sensors, existing chemical substances can be determined quantitatively or qualitatively by converting them into an electrical signal.
The actual sensor development is preceded by the search for a suitable electrochemical reaction as well as the appropriate method.
The three most important methods are:
- Potentiometry: using a high-impedance voltmeter, the voltage between the sensor and reference electrodes is measured without current at a stable potential.
- Amperometry: A DC or AC voltage is applied to the sensor electrode so that an electrochemical conversion of the analyte is detected.
- Impedance measurement: changes in redox equilibria perturb an applied sinusoidal AC voltage and provide an evaluable response signal. Commonly used in biosensing applications.
PalmSens' ultra-compact single-channel potentiostats are predestined for the development of electrochemical sensors, e.g. based on printed electrodes (SPE), as well as their application, mobile and app-supported. In addition to single-channel potentiostats, PalmSens also offers exceptionally powerful multichannel potentiostats.
LXinstruments and colleagues from EKTechnologies are specialized in test & measurement solutions around electrochemical processes. We look back on 30 years of experience and are thus experts for all your questions.
Get in touch with us.