overview | Nano Rocks

ProboStat Overview

The sample under test rests on a ca. 50 cm long support tube of alumina, inside a closed outer tube of alumina or silica. The sample can be contacted with 2, 3 or 4 electrodes of e.g. platinum, using disk, van der Pauw, or bar geometries. A spring-loaded alumina assembly holds the sample and electrodes in place. 16 electrical feedthroughs allow use of 4 shielded electrode leads, surface guard, and up to three thermocouples (e.g. for Seebeck coefficient measurements). Electrical connections are made via coax cables suitable for standard impedance spectrometer connectors, and standard thermocouple compensation cables. Gases can be fed in single or dual chamber modes directly onto or from electrodes, allowing measurements under controlled atmospheres, transport number measurements in gradients, and testing of fuel cell, pump, and sensor components. Gas supply is via Swagelok quick-connects.

Materials properties measured and applicable methods:

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 number
Proton transport number
H/D isotope effects
Seebeck coefficient
I-V-characteristics
Fuel cell components and single cell testing
Electrode kinetics
Electrochemical pumping, gas permeation and electrocatalysis with gas analysis (e.g. GC or MS) on outlets
Sensor testing
Poling of ferroelectrics possible with the high-voltage (kV) version
High-current version
Annealing or sintering under controlled atmosphere

Example of connection to disk samples for impedance measurements. The schematics show principle of spring loads and regular 2-electrode 4-wire setup with dual gas supplies and thermocouple. Part of base unit with feedthroughs is shown in the photo below.