ProboStat Description - sample holder cell system

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For electrical characterisation etc. at high temperatures and in controlled atmospheres.

• RT-1600°C

• Almost any atmosphere (single or dual)

• Disk (10-24 mm) or bar samples

The cell consists of a base unit with 16 electrical feedthroughs, 4 gas feedthroughs, fixtures for sample support tube, outer tube, spring load, and cooling water.

Samples of various geometries rest on the support tube, is contacted via various electrode connects, and held in place with a ceramic spring load. Additional equipment usually comprise tube furnace with power supply and controller, electrical characterisation (impedance spectrometer, voltmeter, potentiostat, etc.) and atmosphere control unit (e.g. gas mixer).

Versitility

One cell; many accessories, methods, properties:

• Electrical conductivity vs T, pO2, pH2O, etc.

• DC, AC, impedance spectroscopy

• Dielectric properties, loss, etc.

• Disk, van der Pauw, and bar geometries

• 2, 3, and 4 electrodes

• Ionic transport numbers

• Seebeck coefficient

• I-V; Fuel cell components and single cells

• Electrode kinetics

• H/D isotope effects

• Electrochemical pumping, gas permeation, etc.

• Sensor testing

 

The ProboStat measurement cell works with all impedance spectrometers, potentiostats, and multimeters.  Our philosophy is to keep it versatile and with user-replaceable parts (that the user can also manufacture) for good lifetime and long-term economy.

Various standard packages or select a custom package of accessories. Ask us if in doubt or for a suggestion.
    
Typical view Inside the enclosing tube: Support tube, sample (hidden), electrode connects, spring load, and gas supply tube.

Typical setup with furnace. Courtesy of S. Duval, EMPA, Switzerland.

The base unit is the main part of the ProboStat system; all versions compatible with all accessories and methods (except kV version).

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Accessories and options for ProboStat

• Standard furnishment: TCs, electrode contacts, etc.

• Crucible holder accessories for sample or powder annealing

• Stainless Steel base unit option for corrosive gases

• Stainless Steel outer tubes for shielding or high pressures

• High voltage (kV) version for poling, breakdown, etc.

• Liquid cell for dielectrics of liquids

• Melting solid cell for molten salts 

 

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