The ECD-1 is a research grade instrument dedicated to the measurement of charge-induced strain (expansion and shrinkage) of electrodes down to the sub-micrometer range. The ECD-1 is particularly developed for the investigation of Li-ion battery and other insertion-type electrodes. It may be used in organic as well as aqueous electrolyte solutions. The ECD-1 is the result of more than 10 years experience in the field.The heart of the ECD-1 is an electrochemical cell, hermetically tight against ambient atmosphere. The two electrodes inside are separated by a stiff glass frit that is fixed in position. The upper (working) electrode is sealed by means of a thin metal membrane, through which any charge-induced height change is transmitted towards the sensor/load unit that is attached from top. A high-resolution displacement transducer detects dimensional changes ranging from 20 nanometers up to 500 micrometers, during one and the same experiment that may last between a few seconds to many days. A simple weight serves to adjust the load on the working electrode. Its potential can either be controlled against the counter electrode (cell voltage control) or against an additional reference electrode.
