Electrochemical Cells

In an electrochemical experiment, the sample, or working electrode, is mounted in a cell. The cell also contains a reference electrode and a counter electrode. It may also contain provision for deaeration and stirring, or you may want to use a rotating electrode for very precise mass transport. It may also have a port for a thermometer, especially if it is temperature-controlled.

The working electrode may be the electroactive sample of interest. This is usually the case in corrosion studies, sensor development, and battery development. If you're studying the electrochemistry of a solution species, then the working electrode is likely to be an inert material such as platinum, gold, or glassy carbon.

In any event, you need a cell to present your sample to the Potentiostat. You can buy a cell from Gamry or from other sources. Cells are rarely, if ever, designed to work with a specific potentiostat. That means that a cell manufactured by Gamry will work on other potentiostats. If you're a Gamry user and you want to use a cell that is not manufactured by Gamry, it will work just fine.

Regardless of the specific electrochemical cell, you should always pay special attention to the Reference Electrode. Click here for important information on the Reference Electrode.

Gamry provides a wide range of electrochemical cells, shown below.

PTC1 Paint Test Cell		Dr. Bob's Cell
CCK Corrosion Cell Kit		EuroCell
Rotating Electrodes		Flexcell