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Energy storage and conversion.

Energy storage and conversion

Get the most out of your battery cycler, scanning probe workstation, or potentiostat – galvanostat.

Browse this section of the site to find scientific articles, tutorials, videos, and other self-help documentation relating to energy storage and conversion.

Please note that this database will be regularly updated with new documents, so check back regularly.

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Topics (109)

The Gerischer Impedance

What exactly is the Gerischer impedance and which systems can be modelled with it?
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Optimize Pack and Stack Performance with Simultaneous Measurements

This article explains how our instruments and software configurations can measure both battery packs or fuel cell stacks and their individual cells simultaneously.
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What are PEM Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers?

This article will explain the basic principles behind fuel cells / electrolyzers and show how potentiostats are used to qualify fuel cell and electrolyzer performance.
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Introducing Symmetric Cells

Introduction to symmetric cells and their DC and AC electrochemical response.
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What are All-Solid-State Batteries

Discover key differences from traditional lithium-ion batteries, ongoing research challenges, and instrumentation requirements
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Safety & Conditional Limits: What are they and how are they used?

Understand the differences and the interest of embedded limits in EC-Lab® and BT-Lab®.
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How to access electric variables in EC-Lab®

EC-Lab® software allows access to the complex representation of the electrical variables obtained from electrochemical impedance measurements on ionic conductors.
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Make life easier with smart limits and automatic I Range

This article explains new tools available in EC-Lab® V11.50 including I Range in Galvano mode and smart charge limits.
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M470: An all in one scanning probe electrochemistry software

Everything you need for local electrochemistry in one software
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Take your experiments ‘To Go’ with EC-Lab®

Unlock the true potential of your electrochemical experiments with wireless connectivity.
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Which SCAN-Lab software should I use?

Information on when to use the different BioLogic software available for scanning probe electrochemistry.
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EC-Lab®

The stand-out potentiostat interface that just keeps getting better
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ZFit: How to have confidence in results using std err.?

This article explains the significance of the std err. parameter in ZFit, the EIS fitting tool in EC-Lab.
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Supercapacitors and insertion batteries: what are the differences?

This article describes the main differences between supercaps and batteries.
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ZSim and ZFit as learning tools. Part V – How to choose the proper equivalent circuit?

This article gives tips, tricks and general guidance for choosing the proper equivalent circuit.
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ZSim and ZFit as learning tools. Part VI – Equivalent circuits distinguishability

Explain the distinguishability properties of equivalent circuits
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ZSim and ZFit as learning tools. Part VII – Equivalent circuits identifiability

Explain the identifiability and unidentifiability properties of equivalent circuits
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What is a potentiostat and its use in Science & Industry (Electrochemistry Basics Series)

What is a potentiostat? An article detailing every aspect of this versatile electrochemical multitool. Covers Potentiostat functionality and operation, the history of the potentiostat, uses and applications and the future of the potentiostat
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How to automate experiments and build complex protocols: An introduction to the M470 sequencer

Automating experiments, and writing complex protocols with the M470 sequencer.
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What is a Frequency Response Analyzer (FRA)?

What is a Frequency Response Analyzer, what is its principle? This article details key information about FRA.
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Nernst, Pourbaix and self-discharge

Using the example of lead-acid batteries, the goal of this article is to provide a better understanding of Nernst law, how it can be used to construct Pourbaix diagrams, and how Pourbaix diagrams can in turn be used to explain self-discharge.
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How do I choose between step mode and sweep mode?

Choosing step mode or sweep mode affects experiment quality and duration from Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy to Atomic Force Microscopy
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What is a battery cycler?

What should I know about battery testing equipment?
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Battery science: Interactive glossary of terms

What does this battery term mean? A comprehensive, interactive glossary of terms used in battery science
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What is CV? A comprehensive guide to Cyclic Voltammetry

A highly detailed article relating to Cyclic Voltammetry and associated EC-Lab techniques
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FlexP + Water Cooling = More power (up to 800 A)!

How the FlexP boosters' unique design and proprietary technology faciliates measurements for EVs and high-power applications
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Internal Resistance series. Part I: What is internal resistance in a battery?

What is internal resistance in a battery?
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Internal Resistance series. Part II: How to determine the internal resistance of a battery

This second in a series of 3 articles will help you to understand internal resistance and how it can be measured.
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Internal Resistance series. Part III: Which techniques should I use to investigate the internal resistance of a battery?

This article in BioLogic's Learning Center explains which techniques are applicable for the investigation of internal resistance in batteries
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What is Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)? Electrochemistry Basics Series

Electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a powerful tool enabling the study of processes that occur at the interface of the electrode.
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The Faraday Cage: What is it and how does it work?

What is a Faraday Cage. How does it work? The article looks at the use of the Faraday cage in electrochemistry.
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Future proof your potentiostat with Premium range, self-install internal boosters.

The article explains how users can easily upgrade their Premium range potentiostat by installing boosters, thereby increasing the scope of the instrument.
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Guidelines for proper Electrochemical Noise (EN) measurements

How to properly perform EN measurements with BioLogic products.
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SECM101: What is Constant Distance (CD)-SECM?

Constant Distance (CD)-SECM is introduced in this BioLogic Learning Center article
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Scanning Probe Electrochemistry: A glossary of terms

What do the different terms relating to local electrochemistry mean? This article gives a definitive list
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Ensuring the quality of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy measurements on high-power systems

The quality of EIS measurements on high-power systems is presented in this article.
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Distribution of Relaxation Times (DRT): how to identify equivalent circuits efficiently

The Distribution of Relaxation Times (DRT) analysis (equivalent circuit identification tool) is introduced.
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Key factors to consider when looking for a scanning electrochemical workstation.

Factors of interest when looking at a scanning electrochemical workstation are discussed.
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SECM101: Introduction to the redox mediator

The Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) redox mediator is introduced.
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SKP vs KPFM

Scanning Kelvin Probe and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy are compared.
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CVSim as a learning tool III: Linearity in EIS

Article describes how CVSim can be used to study the behaviour of a redox reaction during an Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements.
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OSP101: Introduction to the Optical Surface Profiler technique

An introduction to the Optical Surface Profiler (OSP) technique
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What is the definition of the impedance Z?

How to correctly define the $Z$ impedance
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Which scanning probe electrochemistry technique?

The scanning probe electrochemistry techniques on the M470 are compared.
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ZSim and ZFit as learning tools. Part IV – The effect of high frequency inductance.

High frequency inductance can strongly affect the shape of impedance graphs and need to be accounted for during data fitting.
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Anatomy of an SKP probe

The key features of an SKP probe will be discussed.
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SKP and the Fringing Effect

The fringing effect and its role in Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP) is introduced.
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CVSim as a learning tool. II Interfacial concentrations

CVSim is used to determine the peak current concentration of electroactive species involved in a reversible redox reaction (E).
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ZSim and ZFit as learning tools. Part II – Why circle fitting is wrong?

We demonstrate why circle fitting should not be used to analyze impedance data using ZSim- part of EC-Lab, BioLogic's potentiostat control/analysis software
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ZSim and ZFit as learning tools. Part III – How to detect an inductive behaviour at low frequencies

Does the Nyquist impedance diagram of the C1/R1/(R2+L2) circuit always have an inductive arc at low frequencies?
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Not Negative. Not Positive. Negative AND Positive. Full Cell Control for Premium & Essential Instruments

The ability to fully understand the behavior of positive & negative electrodes gives battery researchers a holistic view of battery performance.
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New webinar (BioLogic US): Does Mg2+ reversibly intercalate into transition metal oxides? Registration & Abstract

Details of the latest webinar in the Blue Box Webinar Series and registration links
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Investigation of Structure-Electrochemistry Relationships in Novel Silicon Anodes for Lithium-ion Batteries (Webinar)

Part two of the BioLogic USA Blue Box Webinar Series: Structure-Electrochemistry Relationships in Novel Silicon Anodes for Lithium-ion Batteries
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Multichannel & Single-channel potentiostats – what’s the difference? (Electrochemistry Basics Series)

An overview of the differences between single channel and multichannel potentiostat galvanostats
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Don’t forget our YouTube Channel

Don't forget that a wide range of support, software tutorials and product support videos are also available on our YouTube Channel
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ZSim and ZFit as learning tools. Part I – Acidic corrosion

An overview of ZSim the powerful Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) simulation tool available in EC-Lab®,
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$\small R_\text p = \lim \limits_{f \rightarrow 0} \text{Re} \;Z$. Why?

Why is the polarization resistance the finite low-frequency limit of the impedance? This Learning Center article explains why...
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Battery states: State of charge (SoC), State of Health (SoH). Electrochemistry basics series.

Battery States (Charge and of Health) are defined and discussed in this article.
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Scanning probe electrochemistry for catalysis research

An overview of the benefits of local electrochemistry in research in the field of catalysis
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Investigating battery aging using Differential Capacity Analysis (DCA)

The importance of DCA for battery aging...
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How to read battery cycling curves

An overview of how to read cycling curves and their relevance to battery performance/behavior
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How to correct impedance measurements when using longer cables or a test fixture (Electrochemistry Basics Series)

Focus on your Device under Test. How to remove parasitic impedance due to extension cables or connection interfaces
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The different current and voltage setpoint options in EC/BT-Lab®

This article presents the various options available in EC/BT-Lab® for potential and current setpoints.
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How to avoid side reactions during battery charging/discharging?

How can we avoid unwanted reactions at the electrodes during battery charging/discharging?
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Scanning probe electrochemistry for sustainable energy research

A short article and associated video relating to scanning probe electrochemistry and sustainable energy
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How to use electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) accuracy contour plots

EIS accuracy contour plots must be used to interpret errors made during EIS measurements and identify the best frequencies possible for a given impedance range.
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The RRDE as a pH probe in situ

The Rotating Ring Disk Electrode (RRDE) Ring can be used as a potentiometric or amperometric in situ pH probe. This is extremely useful to study electrochemical reactions that involves OH- or H+ ions.
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Effect of the staircase on current sampling.

An article detailing the effect of the staircase on current sampling
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Checking and validating reference electrodes (Electrochemistry basics series)

The reference electrode is part of the 3-electrode setup. A bad reference electrode can impact negatively on measurements. In this article, we discuss the protocol necessary to check reference electrodes.
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Investigation of impedance measurements using the Z Sim tool (Electrochemistry Basics Series)

To adjust the frequency range of your EIS experiment or just to see the shape of your model, Z Sim is available on both EC-Lab® and BT-Lab® software.
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Nyquist plots: Why use the orthonormal scale?

This article illustrates why the orthonormal scale should be used for Nyquist impedance plots.
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dc-SECM and the SECM150

The dc-SECM technique. Includes a link to a more detailed, downloadable document.
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100th Learning Center Published

How to get the best out of BioLogic's Learning Center
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Rotating Ring Disk Electrode: an Introduction

The principles and main uses of the Rotating Ring Disk Electrode.
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How do I customize my plots?

A suitable plot with the right variables allows you directly access the results and saves a great deal of time during the analysis. In this short article we show you how...
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Create and save your own protocols

Learn how to save time by configuring full experiments from previous settings; including safety limits, advanced settings, cell characteristics and external device configuration.
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Levich analysis: the principles

The Levich analysis is mainly used to determine the diffusion coefficient of a redox species. But how does it work exactly?
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Koutecký-Levich analysis: the principles

The Koutecký-Levich analysis is used to determine kinetic parameters of a redox reaction. But how does it work exactly?
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Split electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) experiments into multiple sequences: save time without compromising quality

Reliable impedance measurements require the system under study to remain linear and stationary during the whole measurement sequence. This article describes the ideal configuration for studying unstable systems such as batteries or supercaps to save time while maintaining good measurement quality.
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Work smarter, not harder: Tech-tips

A series of short articles explaining how to work more efficiently and streamline your workflow
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QCM: Why measure at overtones matters

The benefits of QCM measurements at overtones are described.
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QCM: History and principles

The principles behind the QCM technique are described as well as an introduction to its history.
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QCM: When is the Sauerbrey equation valid?

How to ensure the validity of the Sauerbrey equation
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QCM: Measurement principles

The measurement principles used in BluQCM are described
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Connection to the cell – Part 3 – Permeation cell measurements (Working Electrode to Ground)

Last in a three part series about connection modes
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Connection to the cell – Part 2 – Multi-electrode measurement

The second in a third part series of three articles about connection modes.
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Connection to the cell – Part 1 – What is “ground”?

Different grounding options based on application type
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Scanning Probes & Fuel Cell Research

Scanning Probes & Fuel Cell Research: overview of techniques
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SECM to form and screen micron scale electrocatalysts

Article illustrating how SECM can be used for high throughput screening of novel electrocatalytic materials destined for green energy sources
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EIS and Battery Screening

Article describing how advanced EIS battery cyclers can play a multipurpose role in battery screening.
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A bright idea: Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP) for the investigation of photovoltaic systems

Article covers the importance of accurately measuring the work function of device components, in particular that of the electrodes. in relation to photovoltaic technologies
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Scanning Probes & Photovoltaic Research

Scanning probe electrochemistry has already been used to help answer a number of questions relating to photovoltaics. This article will discuss the benefits of scanning proble electrochemistry in relation to PV.
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Anode vs Cathode: What’s the difference?

This article clarifies the differences between anodes cathodes and positive and negative electrodes in secondary batteries.
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Why use Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) for battery research?

Understand which information you can accurately obtain from your insertion material using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy.
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Get more from your potentiostat. Understanding bandwidth & its effect on measurements (Electrochemistry basics series)

An article which gives an overview of the electronic system that sits behind a potentiostat/galvanostats and describes how it can affect your measurements.
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How to check and correct the time variance of your system under EIS measurements

Are you running EIS experiments on a corroding electrode or on a charging or discharging battery and obtaining unusual or strange data at low frequencies? You should check that the change of your system does not affect your EIS measurements. Here are a few tools available in EC-Lab® to help you deal with such situations.
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How to make reliable Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements with your potentiostat or battery cycler

To be considered reliable, EIS measurements must be performed on a system that is linear, in a steady-state and time-invariant. Quality Indicators are made available to users of EC-Lab® to ensure that the system fulfills these requirements.
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PEIS or GEIS or GEIS-AA? That is the question.

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements are generally performed under potentio control (PEIS) rather than under galvano control (GEIS). In most cases, the potentio and galvano modes are equivalent and give the same results, except in some cases when galvano mode is recommended, for example, when the system changes during the measurement…
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Scanning probe Electrochemistry & battery research

As demand for electric vehicles, portable electronics, and green energy storage grow, so too will the demand for better batteries. To improve on current battery technologies, researchers must intimately understand battery components
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ZFit (impedance fitting) tutorials for potentiostats and battery cyclers

Series of tutorials about ZFit, BioLogic's impedance fitting tool
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Coupling potentiostats & spectrometers for spectroelectrochemical measurements

One of the possibilities of characterizing intermediate species created during a redox process, is to couple a spectrometer with a potentiostat
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The electrical conductivity of solid electrolytes

The efficiency and performance of energy storage devices depend on the electrical properties of the materials used for the anode, cathode and for the electrolyte.
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Data of interest – work more efficiently.

Get the most out of your potentiostat/battery cycler : how EC/BT-Lab can help you work more efficiently as well as save valuable time.
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Resolution, Precision, Accuracy, Temperature stability and Time base: The five to watch (Electrochemistry Basics Series)

The five characteristics that should be on every electrochemist’s radar
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HPC: The importance of ultra-precision battery cyclers

As opposed to standard cycling techniques, High Precision Coulometry (HPC) measurements can provide a reliable estimation of battery lifetime quickly
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No need to plan your future analysis… Go straight ahead

It is time to demystify a false truth. You really do not always need to add points in the record settings of BT-Lab® and EC-Lab® in order to obtain highly accurate measurements.
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Modify on-the-Fly: Flexible potentiostat/battery cycler control

No need to stop the experiment with EC-Lab®’s “modify-on-the-fly” functionality
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Why 4-point measurements?

A potentiostat / galvanostat is an instrument that can control both the current and the voltage imposed to a cell. For this purpose, Bio-Logic instruments require at least 4 cables:
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Potentiostats: Obtaining high quality measurements (Electrochemistry Basics Series)

This article gives some tips to improve the quality of measurements, from optimizing the setup or the connection interfaces, to the geometry of the cell itself.
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