eQCM 10M™ Quartz Crystal Microbalance

Gamry’s eQCM 10M is a rapid, impedance-scanning electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). The EQCM adds a valuable tool in the analytical toolbox of anyone investigating interfacial processes. Corrosion, ion intercalation, ion adsorption, polymer growth, and sensor binding events are all interfacial processes that produce mass changes. These mass changes can be measured by monitoring the resonant frequencies of an oscillating quartz crystal.

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The eQCM 10M is a versatile instrument that accommodates any crystal from 1-10 MHz in any cell or holder. Its resolution allows you to detect mass changes on the ng/cm² scale. This is less than a monolayer of material! Our system comes with everything you need to get started – the eQCM 10M, Teflon® cell, 10 MHz Au-coated crystals (5x), cables, manuals, and software.

Features

Any crystal from 1-10 MHz in any cell
Detect ng/cm2
USB Interface
Integrated QCM and Gamry Potentiostat acquisition
Impedance scanning gives both ƒs and ƒp, the series and parallel resonant frequencies
Data Analysis in Gamry’s flexible and customizable Echem Analyst™

Applications

Electroactive Polymers
Li+ Intercalation
Corrosion Studies
Electrodeposition
Self-Assembled Monolayers
Antibody-Antigen Interactions
Surfactant Adsorption
Protein Adsorption
Ion and Solvent Transport

The eQCM 10M rapidly scans a frequency window around the two resonant frequencies (these resonant frequencies are explained in our Basics of an eQCM App Note). The advantage of scanning through the two resonant frequencies is that you no longer need to cancel the parasitic capacitance in order to maintain oscillation. Additionally, the relative impedance spectrum is displayed each time a data point is acquired, giving you insight into bubble formation on your electrode or improper cell setup. Having the two resonant frequencies also allows you to do basic dissipation monitoring. When ƒ_s and ƒ_p respond similarly your film is rigid, however, when ƒ_s and ƒ_p respond differently the film is not rigid.

Resonator also allows you to adjust the driving amplitude of the crystal. This is especially important when working in an ionic liquid (IL) or a viscous solution where damping is especially high. The ability to manually increase the driving amplitude for heavily-loaded crystals offers a significant advantage over straight dissipation or time-resolved techniques.

Data analysis is done in our flexible and customizable Echem Analyst™. We give you a variety of plotting options to allow you to display the data as you want. You can plot straight mass change versus time, mass versus charge, mass versus potential, or a basic form of dissipation versus time.

Other accessories for the QCM include:

10 MHz Pt-coated crystals
10 MHz C-coated crystals
10 MHz Fe-coated crystals
10 MHz Blank crystals (one side has an Au/Ti layer)
EQCM Flow cell and Ag/AgCl reference electrode

Specifications

All specifications are subject to change without notice.

Frequency Measurement

Range	1– 10	MHz
Resolution	0.02	Hz

Environmental

Operating Temperature Range		0 to 45	°C
Relative Humidity	Max	90 (non-condensing)	%
Storage and Shipping Temperature		-25 to 75	°C
Maximum Shipping Acceleration		30	G

General

Power Input Voltage	Range	10 to 14	Volts
Power	Max	25	W
Dimensions	Max	175 x 115 x 80	mm
Weight	Max	1	kg
Dimensions of External Power Adapter	Max	120 x 55 x 30	mm
Weight of External Power Adapter	Max	400	grams