Electrochemistry module for Q-1 · Electrochemical QCM (EQCM)Mass meets charge.
The electrochemistry module turns the openQCM Q-1 into an EQCM: the gold electrode of the crystal becomes the working electrode of your potentiostat. Every coulomb that flows and every nanogram that lands are measured on the same surface, at the same time.
I —Δf —
- cell volume
- ~15ml
- ports for RE and CE
- 2 × 6.2mm
- weight
- ~90g
- size
- 6 × 7 × 6cm
Two measurements, one electrode.
The larger gold electrode of the 14 mm crystal faces the electrolyte and connects, through a 2 mm banana socket, to the working-electrode lead of your potentiostat. Reference and counter electrodes enter through the PTFE cover. The Q-1 keeps measuring frequency and dissipation, one overtone at a time, while the potentiostat runs the electrochemistry; QCM and electrochemical circuits stay electrically isolated.
- WE · the crystal's gold electrode, 2 mm banana socket
- RE · reference electrode, through a 6.2 mm port
- CE · counter electrode, through a 6.2 mm port
Five parts, one seal at a time.
A PTFE reservoir with three wings at 120° that stop it from rotating; a transparent quartz cylinder you can look through; a bayonet fixing ring; a PTFE cover with two 6.2 mm ports for reference and counter electrodes, two small auxiliary ports for filling and flow, and adapters for 4 and 6 mm probes. FKM (Viton) O-rings seal reservoir and cylinder.
- PTFE cover2 × 6.2 mm ports for RE and CE, 2 auxiliary ports; adapters for 4 and 6 mm probes
- Bayonet fixing ringsmall turns to engage, then counterclockwise to moderate resistance: never fully tight
- Quartz cylindertransparent: watch the electrode, the bubbles, the level
- PTFE reservoirthree wings at 120° lock it in the holder; FKM O-rings seal sensor and cylinder
- Crystal14 mm, larger gold electrode up: it becomes the working electrode
Fill it up to the ports.
Fill the cell completely, up to the electrode ports: a free air–liquid surface adds noise to the baseline, and so do bubbles, evaporation and changes of temperature. Degassed electrolyte, slow filling and a slight positive pressure help.
What people measure with it.
The module contains no potentiostat: it is designed to work with most commercial ones. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and impedance spectroscopy run on the potentiostat, while the QCM follows the mass on the electrode.
- 01Energy storageion insertion and extraction, supercapacitors
- 02Corrosionrates and inhibitors, in situ
- 03Biosensorslabel-free immunosensors, protein–surface interactions
- 04Electroactive materialsgrowth of conducting polymers
- 05Surface modificationself-assembled monolayers, layer-by-layer films
- 06Electrodeposition, and impedance studies combined with QCM-D
No acetone, ever.
Clean the PTFE parts and the quartz cylinder with deionized water or a mild detergent, isopropyl alcohol for stubborn residues; an ultrasonic bath in IPA, two 5-minute cycles, is an option. Never acetone or aggressive organic solvents. Handle the quartz cylinder with gloves and safety glasses.
The data sheet.
From the official manual. Where two documents disagree, the figure is left out until it is confirmed.
Cell
- Volume
- ~15 ml
- Materials
- PTFE reservoir and cover, quartz cylinder, FKM (Viton) O-rings, anodized aluminium sensor holder, PLA case
- Ports
- 2 × 6.2 mm (RE, CE) + 2 auxiliary; adapters for 4 and 6 mm probes
- Size
- 6 × 7 × 6 cm
- Weight
- ~90 g
Electrochemistry
- Working electrode
- Larger gold electrode of the crystal, 2 mm banana socket
- Potentiostat
- External, most commercial models (CV, CA, EIS)
- Crystals
- 5 and 10 MHz, 14 mm, wrapped electrode
Compatibility
- Instrument
- openQCM Q-1: replaces the standard sensor module on the same mounting
- Connection
- USB 3 connectors to the Q-1 central unit only, never to a PC
Add electrochemistry to your Q-1.
The module mounts on your Q-1 and pairs with the potentiostat you already have. Ask us about probes and custom covers.