Electrochemical Testing
From Cells to Systems: Exploring Electrochemical Performanc
Electrochemical testing is essential to evaluate the performance, durability, and stability of materials and devices in energy conversion and storage applications. It provides insights into ionic/electronic conductivity, reaction kinetics, and degradation mechanisms.
Cyclic Voltammetry
Impedance Spectroscopy
Linear Sweep Voltammetry
Galvanostatic Charge–Discharge
Tafel Analysis
Degradation Testing
Testing Conditions and Parameters
- Temperature, pressure, and humidity control.
- Gas composition (H₂, O₂, N₂) for fuel cells and electrolyzers.
- Electrolyte concentration and pH.
- Electrode geometry and cell configuration (half-cell vs. full-cell).
Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Extract key metrics: conductivity, resistance, capacitance, energy efficiency, overpotential, Faradaic efficiency, stability trends.
- Visualizations: Nyquist plots, CV curves, charge–discharge profiles.
Advanced and Combined Techniques
- In situ / Operando Methods: Track structural changes during operation (XRD, Raman, TEM with electrochemistry).
- Coupled Thermal/Electrochemical Measurements: For SOECs and fuel cells.
- High-Throughput Screening: Rapid evaluation of composition, doping, or electrode architecture.
References & Further Reading
General Electrochemistry
- Bard, A.J., Faulkner, L.R. Electrochemical Methods: Fundamentals and Applications, 2nd Edition, Wiley, 2001.
- Compton, R.G., Banks, C.E. Understanding Voltammetry, 2nd Edition, World Scientific, 2010.
- Orazem, M.E., Tribollet, B. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, 2nd Edition, Wiley, 2017.
Fuel Cells & Electrolyzers
- Graves, C., Ebbesen, S.D., Mogensen, M.B., Lackner, K.S. Renewable Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 2019.
- Laguna-Bercero, M.A. Recent advances in high-temperature electrolysis using solid oxide cells, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 2012.
- Turner, J.A. A Realizable Renewable Energy Future, Science, 2004.
Batteries & Energy Storage
- Goodenough, J.B., Kim, Y. Challenges for Rechargeable Li Batteries, Chem. Mater., 2010.
- Manthiram, A. Materials Challenges and Opportunities for Lithium Batteries, Nat. Commun., 2020.
- Tarascon, J.M., Armand, M. Issues and Challenges Facing Rechargeable Lithium Batteries, Nature, 2001.
Advanced Materials & Techniques
- Wolf, S.E., et al. Solid oxide electrolysis cells – Current material development and industrial application, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023. DOI: 10.1039/D3TA02161K.
- Strmcnik, D., et al. Electrocatalysis for Sustainable Energy, Nat. Mater., 2013.
- Kojima, A., et al. Organometal Halide Perovskites as Visible‑Light Sensitizers for Photovoltaic Cells, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2009.