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Experimental prototype. This module is still an experimental prototype. Its user guide (v1.0, May 2025) is preliminary, and parts, dimensions and procedures may change. Tell us about your experiment before you plan around it, and we will tell you honestly whether the prototype fits.

Experimental prototype · EQCM · for openQCM NEXT

Electrochemistry module for NEXT · EQCM prototypeElectrochemistry, on every overtone.

An experimental prototype that brings the EQCM cell to openQCM NEXT, where every overtone is swept in each measurement cycle. With electrochemistry and several overtones on the same film, you see not only how much mass lands on the electrode, but whether the film is rigid or soft.

Render of the electrochemistry module mounted on openQCM NEXT: quartz chamber and PTFE cover on the bridge (from the module manual)
Fig. 1 · A film grows, overtone by overtoneIllustration, not measured data

Overtones spread apart: a viscoelastic film.

status
Prototype
overtones, 5 MHz crystals
n ≤ 9
cell volume
~15ml
weight
~90g
Why NEXT

Overtones tell rigid from soft.

NEXT sweeps all overtones in every multiscan cycle, about 9 s for all five overtones (measured), faster with fewer: up to the 9th with 5 MHz crystals, the 5th with 10 MHz crystals. If the overtone-normalized shifts move together while you cycle the potential, the deposit is rigid and the Sauerbrey equation holds; if they spread apart and dissipation rises, the film is soft and needs a viscoelastic model.

Module M1 · Q-1Module M2 · NEXT
StatusAvailableExperimental prototype
OvertonesOne at a timeAll, one after another in every cycle (~9 s per cycle), shown together
What you learnMass and charge on one overtoneMass, charge and rigidity of the film
CellThe same: ~15 ml, PTFE and quartz, 2 × 6.2 mm ports
PotentiostatYours: the module contains none
The cell

The same architecture as the Q-1 module.

PTFE reservoir with three anti-rotation wings, transparent quartz cylinder, bayonet fixing ring, PTFE cover with two 6.2 mm ports for reference and counter electrodes and two auxiliary ports. The crystal's larger gold electrode is the working electrode, wired to your potentiostat through a 2 mm banana socket; the module contains no potentiostat.

On the NEXT

Horizontal, on four pins.

The module slides into the PTFE housing of the NEXT on four insertion pins, two per side. The heat sink works horizontal, with an adjustable support under its front foot.

NEXT heat sink, horizontal PTFE housing · 4 pins quartz cylinder PTFE cover RECE adjustable support under the front foot
Rule of the cell

Fill it up to the ports.

As with every EQCM cell, fill it completely, up to the electrode ports: a free air–liquid surface, bubbles and evaporation all add noise to the baseline.

Rendering of the electrochemistry module mounted on openQCM NEXT: quartz chamber and PTFE cover on the bridge
On the bridge

One cell, every overtone.

A rendering of the module mounted on NEXT. The quartz chamber stands on the PTFE reservoir and the fixing ring locks it with a counterclockwise turn, stopped at the first moderate resistance. Counter and reference electrodes go through the fittings of the PTFE cover; the working electrode connects through a 2 mm female banana socket at the front of the module, and a green 2 mm male plug comes with it for the potentiostat cable.

Specifications

The data sheet.

From the official manual. Where two documents disagree, the figure is left out until it is confirmed.

Status

Stage
Experimental prototype
Documentation
Preliminary user guide, v1.0, May 2025

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
Size
6 × 7 × 6 cm
Weight
~90 g

Measurement

Instrument
openQCM NEXT
Overtones
All in every cycle; up to the 9th (5 MHz) or 5th (10 MHz)
Electrochemistry
External potentiostat (CV, CA, EIS)
openQCM newsletter

News on Electrochemistry module for NEXT, by email.

Firmware and software releases, new modules and accessories, application notes. A few emails a year.

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Talk with us

Ask about the prototype.

Describe your electrochemistry and the films you grow: we will tell you whether the prototype is ready for it.

Colophon

Explore. Measure.
Publish. Repeat.

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