This cell combines two classical analytical techniques: electrochemistry and reflective ellipsometry, to obtain in-situ change in phase and amplitude between the p-polarised and s-polarised components of incident and reflected monochromatic light during electrochemical processes. This combination offers diagnostics of nucleation and growth processes on a nanometre-thickness scale. The cell consists mainly of two elements: (i) sample mount with copper foil serving as electric contact to the working electrode surface, and (ii) top casing in which reference and counter electrodes are installed together with electrolyte inlet and outlet. The helix counter electrode made of Platinum wire assures uniform distribution of field lines along the path to the working electrode. The total optical path through the electrolyte is around 18 mm. Various window materials are available including JGS3 Quartz (default), Sapphire, CaF2 and Kapton. The Ellipsometry EC cell can be installed on horizontally or vertically positioned stages of an ellipsometer, and may operate as both stagnant and flow cell. Cell elements are constructed with materials inert to the sample (glass and PEEK) and it fits aqueous (FKM/EPDM O-Rings) and organic solvent (FFKM O-Rings) electrolyte requirements.

Application note Typical applications include real-time monitoring of electrochemical deposition and growth of thin films (organic, inorganic and bio-materials), and structural changes at the electrode/electrolyte interface for interfacial electrochemistry (electrocatalysis, corrosion, etching, Li/polymer electrolyte interphase, intercalation of ions).

Product includes

• 1 x sample mount, 1 x clamp screw, 1 x piston, 1 x copper foil contact to WE
• 1 x chamber, 2 x window holder, 1 x alignment window holder
• 2 x quartz window (25 mm dia. JGS3, 1 mm thick)
• 1 x quartz window (alignment, 5 mm dia. JGS3, 1 mm thick)
• 1 x Ag/AgCl or non-aqueous Ag/Ag+ reference electrode
• 1 x Platinum wire counter electrode (50HX15 0.6/250 mm)
• 1 x set of O-rings, 1 x set of Nylon screws, 1 x plug