A scanning electrochemical workstation is a long-term investment, which can commonly still be in use 10 to 15 years after installation. It is therefore understandable to carefully evaluate a scanning electrochemical workstation before selecting the best one for you.

When evaluating a scanning electrochemical workstation, it can be useful to consider:

• Available techniques
• The potentiostat
• The scan head
• The probes and accessories available
• The software ergonomics
• Who will be using the scanning electrochemical workstation
• The level of maintenance required
• The level of support available

For more detailed information on the different factors you should take into account when purchasing a scanning electrochemical workstation please see our Learning Center article “Key factors to consider when looking for a scanning electrochemical workstation.” And for the optimal solution, we strongly recommend contacting our sales team, who can provide personalized recommendations based on your application needs. They have extensive experience across diverse fields (such as batteries, fuel cells, corrosion…) and would be happy to guide you through the selection process.

The M470 is a fully modular instrument. At time of purchase, it can be configured with any number of modules available to create anything from a single technique to a full multi-technique instrument (with seven modules for nine technique types). Furthermore, the modular nature means that as needs evolve over time, researchers can upgrade the M470 with any of the available techniques.

For further information, and help configuring your instrument we advise contacting our sales team.

The M470 has been designed to work with BioLogic’s premium potentiostats. It can be used with new and existing potentiostats.

Because of variations in the different scanning probe electrochemistry technique, the specific configuration of the premium potentiostat can vary. Our sales team will always help ensure you have the correct configuration for your scanning needs, whether this is on a new or existing potentiostat.

There is sometimes the misconception that the driver type (piezo, stepper motor, etc.) used for the scanning axes is the most important factor in the quality of the scanning electrochemical workstation scan head. The drive is only one part in the components required to build a scan axis which affects its accuracy and resolution. By optimizing all the mechanical components (moving device, stage head, and drive) and the position measurement and control device, it is possible to achieve a high accuracy and high-resolution scan head. ​​

Constant distance measurements are possible using BioLogic’s scanning probe electrochemical workstations. The options available for performing constant distance measurements is dependent on the scanning probe electrochemistry technique of interest.

When performing constant distance Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) users can perform a single pass experiment using the Intermittent Contact (ic)-SECM technique. With ic-SECM it is possible to measure both sample topography and sample activity (without the effect of topography) at the same time. ​​

With all other techniques it is possible to perform constant distance measurements by first measuring the sample topography and then using this to perform a height tracking experiment to follow the topography throughout. Topography can be measured with Optical Surface Profiler (OSP) technique, Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP), or ic-SECM.

Although all the cells available for BioLogic’s scanning probe electrochemical workstations, offer the possibility to level the cell to remove tilt prior to the measurement this is not always enough. With this in mind there are two methods available to account for sample tilt.

When dc- or ac-SECM is used the Approach Curve Topography Extrapolation Experiment can be used. This experiment utilises approach curves to determine the sample tilt prior to measurement, which can then be followed in the SECM measurement using height tracking.

For all technique types sample tilt can also be accounted for using the tilt correction function available in the post processing software tools.

We offer comprehensive technical support and training for our users:​​

• Included technical support (Request a support – BioLogic)
• Extensive documentation including Application Notes, Learning Center articles and a personal space with exclusive support resources after instrument registration
• Regular online webinars covering advanced techniques and research topics
• On-site and online training programs tailored to your needs
• Installation assistance to ensure smooth setup

Click here to register your instrument(s), please register using your instrument serial number (located on the rear panel of the device). Upon submission, we’ll provide you with a personalized access code that unlocks a dedicated space featuring comprehensive support resources available only to those with a my.biologic.net account.

For any support request, contact your local retailer or click here to access the support contact form. Our highly qualified support engineers are ready to assist you.

Detailed documentation is available on our website and in your personal space upon registration.

Here is helpful information to provide when contacting our support center:

• Serial number of the instrument (located on the rear panel of the control unit, or available in the software by clicking on Help, and then About)
• Software version you are currently using (In the software click Help, and then About)
• Operating system in the connected computer
• Description of the error (the error message, the experiment file, picture of settings or any other useful information) and of the context in which the error occurred. Try to remember all steps you had performed immediately before the error occurred. The more information on the actual situation you can provide, the easier it is to track the problem.