# Electrochemistry module for NEXT

> Source page: https://openqcm.com/about-openqcm-eqcm-next
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_Experimental prototype · EQCM · for openQCM NEXT_

> **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.

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.

## Key figures

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

## Why NEXT: Overtones tell rigid from soft.

NEXT sweeps all overtones in every multiscan cycle, about 1.4 s per overtone (about 7 s for five overtones): 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.

## 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.

## 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.

## Specifications

### 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)

## Related pages

- [openQCM NEXT](https://openqcm.com/about-openqcm-next/)
- [Electrochemistry module for Q-1](https://openqcm.com/about-openqcm-eqcm-q1/)

## Buy or ask

- Store: https://store.openqcm.com/
- Contact: https://openqcm.com/contacts/

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openQCM by Novaetech S.r.l., Pompeii, Italy · Buy: https://store.openqcm.com/ · Contact: info@openqcm.com · https://openqcm.com/contacts/