Electrochemical dilatometer ECD-3-nano
Test cell for the measurement of height changes in aprotic as well as aqueous electrolytes with nanometer resolution
Watch your electrodes breathing
The ECD-3-nano is the dilatometer with a displacement resolution in the nanometer range. The capacitive parallel-plate sensor systen of the ECD-3-nano can obtain displacement signals of below 5 nanometers. This high resolution makes it possible to explore new territory of electrochemical dilatometry. For instance, quasi 2-dimensional electrode processes like the SEI formation in lithium-ion batteries or the electrochemically driven growth of passivation layers on metal surfaces might become the subject of future dilatometric studies.
The heart of the ECD-3-nano is an electrochemical cell, which is hermetically tight against ambient atmosphere. The two electrodes inside are separated by a stiff glass frit that is fixed in position. The upper (working) electrode is sealed by means of a thin metal membrane through which any charge-induced height change is transmitted towards the sensor/load unit above.
Improvements of the ECD-3-nano (in comparison to previous versions)
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Elimination of tubing and external valves reduces the risk of leakage and saves effort.
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Use of special polymer with minimal water absorption reduces drying effort and accelerates work flow.
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Use of a smaller glass frit reduces amount of electrolyte required (approx. 1 cm³)
- Better handling saves time and effort.
ECD-3-nano overview
Specifications
| Height | 230 mm |
| Width | 100 mm |
| Depth | 110 mm |
| Weight | approx. 2.5 kg |
| Separator diameter | 12 mm |
| Working (upper) electrode diameter | 10 mm |
| Counter (lower) electrode diameter | 12 mm |
| Displacement sensor system | capacitive |
| Displacement range | 250 μm |
| Signal drift (sample-free) | ≤ 20 nm / hour |
| Test specimen | Electrode films, optional single crystals / grains Diameter ≤ 10 mm, thickness ≤ 1 mm |
| Load on test specimen | approx. 1 N |
| Chemical compatibility | Aprotic organic electrolytes; optional aqueous electrolytes |
| Cell electrolyte volume | approx. 0.5 ml |
| Temperature resistance | -20 to +70 °C (Cell and Sensor) |
| 0 to +40 °C (Conditioning electronics and data logger) |
Manuals
Delivery scope
| # | Component | Order no. |
| 1 | ECD-3-nano dilatometer, assembled | ECD3-00-0001-A |
| 2 | Box ECD-3-nano, assembled | ECE1-00-0006-F |
| 3 | Sensor-GND cable | ECE1-00-0041-A |
| 4 | Sensor cable (PISeca) | SEN9023 |
| 5 | ECD cell cable | ECE1-00-0033-F |
| 6 | Power supply SPU 45E-303 | ELT9207 |
| 7 | Power cord IEC 60320 C14 EURO L sw 1.5 m | ELT9222 |
| 8 | USB cable typ A/B (2.0 m) | ELT9167 |
Upgrade kits
Upgrade kits for typical configurations
In the standard configuration, the ECD-3-nano is equipped for aprotic electrochemistry (dilatometer cell, sensor and sensor-controller with dc-voltage output -10 to 10 V) with integrated USB data logger. Materials in media contact are stainless steel and PEEK. The user has to provide all peripheral equipment like temperature chamber and potentiostat.
Various add-ons are available for special testing requirements:
Upgrade Kit Aqueous: replaces stainless steel parts by gold parts and thus makes the ECD-3-nano compatible with aqueous electrochemistry.
ECD-3 Full Cell Kit: Part kit for testing full cells without T-frit.
Part Kit for Testing Single Crystals/Grains: Part kit for using single grains or crystals instead of bound electrode films.
Consumables
| Cell Body: | ||
| T-Frit 10/12.5 (5 pcs.) | ECC1-00-0041-B/V | |
| Membrane (aprotic), stainless steel (3 pcs.) | ECC1-00-0019-D/3 | |
| O-Ring 33.05 x 1.78 mm (10 pcs.) | DIC9034/X | |
| O-Ring 50.5 x 1.78 mm (10 pcs.) | DIC9038/X | |
| O-Ring 2.0 mm x 1.0 mm (10 pcs.) | DIC9037/X | |
| O-Ring 9.75 mm x 1.78 mm (10 pcs.) | DIC9006/X | |
| Ferrule 1.0 (10 pcs.) | ECC1-00-0029-B/X | |
| Ferrule 1.5 (10 pcs.) | ECC1-00-0029-C/X | |
| PE-Seal for ECD (33 x 1.6) (3 pcs.) | ECC1-01-0043-B/3 | |
| PE-seal for ECD-3 piston (3 pcs.) | ECC1-01-0044-B/3 | |
| Spacer disc (set) 2.1-2.3 | ECC1-01-0012-F | |
| Spacer disc (set) 1.8-2.0 | ECC1-01-0012-G | |
| Spacer disc (set) 1.5-1.7 | ECC1-01-0012-H | |
| Spacer disc (set) 1.2-1.4 | ECC1-01-0012-K | |
| Spacer disc (set) 0.9-1.1 | ECC1-01-0012-L | |
| Separator (GF/A) 12 x 0.26 mm, (10 pcs) | ECC1-01-0012-Q/X | |
| Sealing Set ECD-3: | ECC1-01-0004-C | |
| 20x | Ferrule 1.0 | ECC1-00-0029-B |
| 10x | Ferrule 1.5 | ECC1-00-0029-C |
| 3x | PE-Seal for ECD (33 x 1.6) | ECC1-01-0043-B |
| 3x | PE-seal for ECD-3 piston | ECC1-01-0044-B |
| 10x | O-Ring 33.05 x 1.78 mm | DIC9034 |
| 10x | O-Ring 2.0 mm x 1.0 mm | DIC9037 |
| 10x | O-Ring 50.5 x 1.78 mm | DIC9038 |
| 10x | O-Ring 9.75 x 1.78 mm | DIC9006 |
| Sensor Unit: | ||
| Socket screw | DIN-912 M4 x 12 |
Spare parts
<strong>Sensor unit</strong>
<a href=”https://staging.el-cell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ECD-3-nano_Spare-parts_sensor-unit.png”><img class=”alignnone wp-image-4213″ src=”https://staging.el-cell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ECD-3-nano_Spare-parts_sensor-unit.png” alt=”” width=”750″ height=”625″ /></a>
<strong>Cell Body</strong>
<a href=”https://staging.el-cell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ECD-3_Spare-parts_cell_body.png”><img class=”alignnone wp-image-4206″ src=”https://staging.el-cell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ECD-3_Spare-parts_cell_body.png” alt=”” width=”750″ height=”625″ /></a>
<strong>Shut-off valve</strong>
<a href=”https://staging.el-cell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ECD-3_Spare-parts_shut-off-valve.png”><img class=”alignnone wp-image-4208 size-full” src=”https://staging.el-cell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ECD-3_Spare-parts_shut-off-valve.png” alt=”” width=”1190″ height=”992″ /></a>
<strong>Central CE piston</strong>
<a href=”https://staging.el-cell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ECD-3_Spare-parts_central-ce-piston.png”><img class=”alignnone wp-image-4209 size-full” src=”https://staging.el-cell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ECD-3_Spare-parts_central-ce-piston.png” alt=”” width=”1190″ height=”992″ /></a>
<strong>Spring load</strong>
<a href=”https://staging.el-cell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ECD-3_Spare-parts_spring_load.png”><img class=”alignnone wp-image-4203″ src=”https://staging.el-cell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ECD-3_Spare-parts_spring_load.png” alt=”” width=”750″ height=”625″ /></a>
<strong>REF electrode ECD, long</strong>
<a href=”https://staging.el-cell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ECD-3_Spare-parts_ref-electrode.png”><img class=”alignnone wp-image-4202″ src=”https://staging.el-cell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ECD-3_Spare-parts_ref-electrode.png” alt=”” width=”750″ height=”378″ /></a>
Frequently asked questions
What are the differences between the built-in sensors of the ECD-3 and ECD-3-nano?
The sensors of ECD-3 and ECD-3-nano are both able to detect very small expansions of the electrodes. The main difference between the two devices lies in the detection resolution. The ECD-3 uses an LVDT sensor with a resolution of 50 nanometers with a maximum displacement range of 500 μm. The ECD-3-nano uses a capacitive sensor system with a resolution of 5 nanometers and a maximum displacement range of 250 μm.
Why is it possible to measure displacement values below zero?
The dilatometer does only measure the displacement (=change in thickness), but not the total thickness. The initial displacement reading is arbitrary and can be changed by just turning the micrometer screw at the sensor head. In practice, you turn the micrometer screw so that the initial reading is in the range of zero +/- 20 µm. After the measurement, for convenience, you substract some offset value, so as to set the displacement value exactly to zero at that point in time, where you have started the electrochemical cycle.
How can I clean the T-Frit? How much does a stained T-frit affect future results?
The frit is made of borosilicate 3.3 glass (Duran®) and so can be cleaned with any agents lab glass is compatible with, including e.g. hot aqueous HNO3. According to our experience, the staining of the T-frit does not affect electrochemical results.
Gallery
Connecting the ECD-3
Connecting the controller boxSample test results
Expanding and shrinking of a graphite electrode during lithium insertion and extraction (figure left). The detailed view on the right shows the onset of expansion at 1.9V vs. Li / Li+ (figure right).
Current response and height change of layered ruthenium oxide HRO in 2 M H2SO4 during slow scan voltammetry. Courtesy of Prof. Wataru Sugimoto, Shinshu University, Japan.
Videos
Assembly of the ECD-3-nano electrochemical dilatometer
In this video, you will learn how to assemble an ECD-3 electrochemical dilatometer inside the glove box, how to connect it and finally how to adjust the sensor for testing.
Watch and download more of our videos on our video page.
Related products
ECD-3
Electrochemical Dilatometer for the measurement of electrode strain (thickness change) in aprotic as well as aqueous electrolytes.
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