Electrochemistry Cellfor the MFP-3D™ AFM

Introduction

AFMAsylum Research

The Electrochemistry Cell (EC Cell) for Asylum Research MFP-3D Atomic Force Microscopes enables studies of deposition,oxidation, corrosion, and mass transfer of metals and other materials. Nanoscale topographical changes can be precisely
monitored in situ as induced by electrochemical reactions. The cell provides for heating from ambient to 60ºC (optional) andcan be operated in a fully sealed configuration.

The EC Cell is a versatile platform for electrochemical
experiments combined with AFM imaging. At the core of thedevice is a PEEK container with ports for fluid exchange andelectrical feedthroughs. A variety of electrodes is supplied with
the EC cell, yet the design is extremely adaptable to accept
customized sample mounts or electrodes.
All parts of the EC Cell that come into contact with theelectrolyte are made of PEEK polymer. Supplied O-rings
are made of FKM (Viton® equivalent) in industry-standard
sizes; additional O-rings made of Kalrez® or Teflon® may
be purchased separately. The specialized cantilever holder
included in the kit is designed such that only the PEEK bodyand a small quartz window make contact with the electrolyte,avoiding contamination of the cell’s contents.
The EC Cell is supplied with a variety of sample mounts whichenable press fitting or epoxy potting of various electrodematerials. Asylum Research can assist with any specialized
sample mounting needs. The EC Cell is easily disassembled
for cleaning and samples can be readily removed for cleaningor polishing. The cell’s fluid ports enable straightforward
exchange of electrolyte.
The kit includes a graphite counter electrode as standard.
A platinum counter electrode is available (optional). Metal
wires of up to 1/16” diameter can be fed into the cellthrough two side access ports. Teflon tubing with a varietyof inner diameters is supplied to seal around smaller diameter
wires. The wires are easily connected at any of four placeson the outside of the EC Cell body.

The EC Cell with heater plate, provides heating from ambient to60ºC. The heater allows, for example, studies of electrolytes which are
not liquids at room temperature.

All electrodes are connected to a built-in circuit board whichroutes signals to a junction box. The junction box attaches
securely to the AFM base and offers connection to third-party
potentiostats via standard banana plug or 2mm connectors.
This arrangement keeps cables and clips/connectors awayfrom the sample, making for a tidy experiment with minimal
chance of short circuits, and avoiding disturbance of thesample by eliminating cable movement. The junction box canalso be connected to the MFP-3D Environmental Controller
to drive the electrolyte heater. An optional heating element
enables the investigation of thermodynamics and kinetics
of electrochemical reactions, such as the temperaturedependence of:l Electrochemical parameters such as pKal Acceleration of corrosionl Protein/enzyme turnover rates

The EC Cell1

Specifications
The Electrochemistry kit includes the EC cell, sample mounts, achemical resistant PEEK cantilever holder, and an accessory kit
containing an initial supply of consumable items required foroperation. The EC Cell also requires the Environmental Controller
if it is configured for heating, which must be purchased
separately and can be shared with other MFP-3D environmental
control accessories.

Electrochemistry celll C hemical resistant cell with volume-reducing insert
sample mountl Fully-sealed, liquid-filled Ag-AgCl reference electrodel G raphite counter electrode (optional platinumcounter electrode)l Two fluid ports

In-situ AFM images of bismuth electrochemical deposition on a boron
doped diamond electrode performed using the MFP-3D AFM andElectrochemical Cell (10s, 20s, 80s and 120s reaction times). 1.5 μm
scans. Note the same position is scanned each time showing thebismuth crystals growing in size. Sample courtesy of Professor
R. Compton, Oxford University.

l Two ports for fluid or wire feedthroughsl FM membrane for sealing (FFKM optional)l Optional electrolyte heater heats up to 60°C
l Inquire about specific chemical compatibility

Acknowledgement

References

The EC Cell was developed in collaboration with the researchgroup of Prof. Richard Compton of the Chemistry Department
at the University of Oxford, UK (see references below).

1. K
 .E. Toghill, L. Xiao, M.A. Phillips, R.G. Compton, The nonenzymatic determination of glucose using an electrolyticallyfabricated nickel microparticle modified boron-doped diamondelectrode or nickel foil electrode, Sensors and Actuators B
147, 64 (2010).
2. N
 .R. Stradiotto, K.E. Toghill, L. Xiao, A. Moshar,
R.G. Compton, The Fabrication and Characterization ofa Nickel Nanoparticle Modified Boron Doped Diamond
Electrode for Electrocatalysis of Primary Alcohol Oxidation,
Electroanalysis 21, 2627 (2009).
3. K .E. Toghill, G.G. Wildgoose, A. Moshar, C. Mulcahy,
R.G. Compton, The fabrication and characterization ofa bismuth nanoparticle modified boron doped diamondelectrode and its application to the simultaneous
determination of cadmium(II) and lead(II), Electroanalysis
20, 1731 (2008).

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The foregoing datasheet is copyrighted by Oxford Instruments Asylum Research, Inc. Oxford Instruments Asylum Research, Inc. does notintend the datasheet or any part thereof to form part of any order or contract or regarded as a representation relating to the products
or service concerned, but it may, with acknowledgement to Oxford Instruments Asylum Research, Inc., be used, applied or reproduced
for any purpose. Oxford Instruments Asylum Research, Inc. reserves the right to alter, without notice the specification, design orconditions of supply of any product or service. Data Sheet 36 – 6/2014.

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