Potentiostats - well used

Difference Potential Control Using two Potentiostats 

Potential differences between two electrodes separated by a membrane are frequently investigated, e.g. to determine the diffusion currents through that membrane: Hydrogen diffusibility is one of the standard applications. This potentiostatic technique requires two potentiostats.

Fig. 5: Difference potential control using two potentiostats. D Ep Potential difference, Ic cell current, M membrane

POT 1 controls the reference electrode RE 1 of the cell compartment 1 to virtual ground, as the control input CI 1 of POT 1 is grounded. The current that maintains this potential is delivered by the counter electrode CE 1. POT 2 controls the potential of the reference electrode RE 2 in the second compartment to that potential which is fed into the control input CI 2 of POT 2, resulting in a controlled potential difference between the two faces of the membrane.

The current that maintains the potential difference flows between the two controlling electrodes ST 1 and ST 2, they must be connected to the counter electrode terminals CE 1 and CE 2.

To avoid ring earths, the ground bridge of POT 2 must be removed. Both terminals WE 1 and WE 2 are then connected. For the measurement of small currents it is helpful to screen the cell as well as the cables. Note: When using our "current sink" potentiostats, LB 95 L, LB 94 AR, or POS 88 (or their predecessors LB 75 L and POS 73), the connection between WE 1 and WE 2 must be connected to ground on either side. In that case, also this connection between WE 1 and WE 2 must be screened. Reason: The working electrode of these potentiostats is not really grounded, but kept to virtual ground.

To measure current - potential curves in this mode, the control input CI 2 of POT 2 must be used. As long as no overload lamp starts to glow, the potential difference is equal to the voltage fed into CI 2.


Bank Elektronik -

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D-35415 Pohlheim

 

Tel. +49 - 6403 - 60 98 60

Fax  +49 - 6403 - 60 98 622

e-Mail: info [at] bank-ic.de

 

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