Electrochemical measurements in Sensor development

Sensor development focuses on designing, fabricating, and optimizing devices that detect chemical or biological analytes with high sensitivity and selectivity. Electrochemical sensors—including amperometric, potentiometric, and impedimetric sensors—are widely used in environmental monitoring, food quality control, medical diagnostics, and industrial process control.Electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are critical for evaluating sensor performance parameters like detection limit, linear range, response time, and stability.

Resources about electrochemical sensor development

Application notes

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User manuals

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Key factors to consider when selecting a potentiostat for sensor development:

Ultra low current range : Measures small current change in pA range
High data acquisition rate / true analog scan: Captures rapid sensor responses and transient signals
EIS capability over broad frequency range: Characterizes electrode–electrolyte interfaces and sensor coating properties
Multi-channel capability: Enables simultaneous testing of multiple materials
Temperature/pH control integration: Allows precise environment simulation during testing

What are your challenges in Sensor research?

A specially designed low current amplifier with built-in signal filtering (ECD module) can be installed in a Metrohm Autolab modular AUT302N. This enables additional low current ranges for measuring currents in the pA range. VIONIC all-in-one potentiostat/galvanostat has ± 1 nA as the lowest current range which also allows measuring currents in the pA range. To avoid external noise interference, using a Faraday cage is recommended.

Configurable setup for sensor research

Metrohm Autolab electrochemical instruments, advanced software packages including a wide range of electrochemical techniques, standard and editable procedures, measurement commands and analysis tools, combined with the right accessories provide a complete and flexible solution for advanced research in the field of electrochemical sensors. The complete solutions allow investigations of reaction mechanisms and discoveries of new materials as well as testing and optimizing of new electrochemical sensors for future commercial use with the highest accuracy and precision.

Metrohm Autolab potentiostats/galvanostats

VIONIC powered by INTELLO

Single channel, all-in-one potentiostat/galvanostat
Dual-mode compliance voltage: ± 10 V / ± 50 V
Second sense (S2) for monitoring a second potential
Lowest current range: ± 1 nA; Maximum current: ± 6 A
EIS: up to 10 MHz maximum frequency
Seamless measurements with down to 1 µs sampling interval
True analog scan
RDE control
Computer-free operation with internal memory

Details

Autolab Modular line: AUT302N

Single channel modular potentiostat/galvanostat
Highest versatility, upgradeable with up to 11 optional modules
Compliance voltage: ± 30 V
Lowest current ranges: ± 10 nA (± 100 pA with ECD module); Maximum current: ± 2 A
EIS: up to 1 MHz or 10 MHz maximum frequency, optional
True analog scan, optional
100 ns ultrafast sampling interval, optional
R(R)DE control
Bipot (BA), MultiBA, MUX options available

Details

Autolab Multichannel line: M204/M101

Multichannel potentiostat/galvanostats
Maximum throughput with versatility
Compliance voltage: ± 20 V (M204) and ± 10 V (M101)
Lowest current ranges: ± 10 nA; Maximum current: ± 400 mA (M204) and ± 100 mA (M101)
EIS: up to 1 MHz maximum frequency, optional
R(R)DE control
Bipot (BA), MUX options available

Details

Autolab compact line: Autolab IMP, AUT101

Single channel potentiostat/ galvanostat
Space saving compact solution
Compliance voltage: ± 20 V (IMP), ± 10 V (AUT101)
Lowest current range: ± 10 nA; Maximum current: ± 100 mA
EIS: up to 1 MHz maximum frequency (IMP)
RDE control
Analog and Digital I/O for external control

Details

Discover all Metrohm Autolab potentiostats galvanostats

INTELLO and NOVA software features for sensor development

Electrochemical Techniques and software features for sensor development:

Ready-to-Use procedures library with over 60 customizable electrochemical procedures covering all electrochemical techniques: CV, EIS, DPV, SWV, CA, CP, OCP, and more
User-defined rules and cutoffs to protect the sample and ensure reliable experiments
iR-drop measurement and automatic correction
Automated data handling and analysis directly in the measurement sequences, including EIS data fitting
Insight Plots with automatic coloring and cycle selector
Scheduler functionality for multichannel measurement management
Easy hyphenation with external devices for combining electrochemical techniques with other analytical methods such as UV-VIS, Raman, FTIR, SECM, EQCM, DEMS and more.
Integrated control of Metrohm liquid handling devices such as dosing units, pumps, sample changers.

Discover the INTELLO and NOVA software features

Sensor specific accessories

Hydrodynamic measurements		Metrohm Autolab Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE) complete setup Compatible with 3 mm and 5 mm diameter disk electrodes, ideal for advanced electrochemical research with measurements under controlled hydrodynamic conditions Wide rotation speed range: 100 – 10000 rpm with 1 rpm resolution, manual or software integrated control Ultra clean and ultra-low noise achieved with frictionless liquid (Hg) contact ensuring pristine signal quality for sensitive experiments Seamlessly integrates with Metrohm cell vessels and other standard electrochemical cells. Complete setup includes: Motor controller, rotator, rotating disk electrode, and connection cable for integration with Autolab potentiostats
Hydrodynamic measurements		Metrohm Autolab Rotating Ring Disk Electrode (RRDE) complete setup Ultra-low noise, and ultra-clean dual liquid (Hg) contact rotating electrode designed for precise measurements under controlled hydrodynamic conditions for in-situ detection of reaction intermediates in electrochemical reaction mechanism studies Wide rotation speed range: 100 – 10000 rpm with 1 rmp resolution, manual or software integrated control Fully compatible with any Autolab potentiostat/galvanostat equipped with a bipotentiostat (BA) module Seamlessly integrates with the Metrohm Autolab RRDE cell, specially designed for electrochemical measurements carried out in ultra-clean conditions Electrode materials: Platinum (Pt), Gold (Au), and Glassy Carbon (GC) disks with Platinum (Pt) ring; theoretical collection efficiency of 24.8% Complete setup includes: Motor controller, rotator, rotating ring disk electrode, and connection cable for integration with Autolab potentiostats
Localized electrochemical measurements		Sensolytics Scanning Electrochemical Microscope (SECM) Metrohm Autolab potentiostats hyphenated with Sensolytics SECM instruments enables localized measurements for monitoring the electrochemical activity of a sample surface in corrosion, batteries, electrocatalysis, biosensors, and other applications Integrated control of the Metrohm Autolab potentiostat within the Sensolytics software Compact and customizable system, upgradeable at any time Supports a wide range of techniques: Scanning Droplet Cell (SDC), Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM), Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (SECCM) with capillary-based techniques, high-resolution SECM with nanoelectrodes and constant-distance mode SECM (Option Shearforce) are available Advanced features such as software-based tilt compensation, AC-SECM, multidimensional techniques (EC methods at each grid point), localized photoelectrochemical methods
Multimode electrode with Hg-drop capability		Metrohm Autolab 663 VA Stand Essential accessory for optimizing polarographic and voltammetric measurements from fundamental to specialized electroanalytical and trace analysis. Compatible with a wide range of electrodes such as the Hg-drop electrode (i.e., MME pro), rotating disk electrodes, and scTRACE Gold electrodes Software-controlled, seamlessly integrated with any Autolab workstation Complete setup includes: Multi-Mode electrode pro (MME), the Ag/AgCl reference electrode and a Glassy carbon auxiliary electrode for an adaptable and high-precision measurements with purge and stirring control
Faraday cage		Autolab Faraday Cage Provides optimal electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for sensitive electrochemical experiments, especially when measuring small signals Effectively blocks unwanted interference signals, ensuring the integrity of your experimental results With earth terminal inside the cage for easy and direct grounding to your Autolab potentiostat Spacious design for corrosion cells, Autolab R(R)DE rotator, Autolab Optical bench to fit inside the large Faraday cage Available in 2 different sizes : (WxDxH) 38x21x38 cm³ or 38x30x60 cm³
General purpose electrochemical cells		General purpose electrochemical cells Suitable for 2-, 3- or 4-electrode configurations Exchangeable borosilicate glass cell vessels, available in a wide range of volumes from 5 mL to 400 mL Cell vessels available with thermostatic jacket Fit up to 5 electrodes or accessories (e.g., thermometer, gas inlet, pH sensor etc.), directly in the standard lid (standard 14/15 conical joint size) Corrosion resistant support stand with rod for cell stability and adjustable height Direct fitting of the Autolab R(R)DE and RCE into the lid Fits in the large Autolab faraday cage
RRDE cell		Metrohm Autolab RRDE cell for electrocatalysis Complete electrochemical cell designed for forced convection (hydrodynamic) experiments using the Metrohm Autolab R(R)DE rotators All components in contact with the electrolyte are removable and resistant to aggressive cleaning procedures, making the cell suitable for typical electrocatalysis experiments or sensitive interfacial electrochemistry measurements Fits in the large Autolab Faraday cage Complete cell includes: a glass vessel (300 mL) fitted with a thermostatic jacket for temperature control, lid with 7 standard 14/15 conical holes, counter and reference electrode, thermometer, and gas inlet
Cells for Screen Printed Electrodes (SPE)		Metrohm DropSens cells for Screen Printed Electrodes (SPE) Electrochemical cells compatible with the Metrohm Dropsens Screen Printed Electrodes (SPE) Available for any type of SPEs and any applications, for measurements done in static or flow conditions Smart design, low volume, accurate and convenient to use
Working electrodes		Metrohm Autolab 3 mm disk electrodes Electrode tips with 3 mm active material disk in a PEEK shaft for the best chemical compatibility Available with different disk materials such as: Platinum (Pt), Gold (Au), Glassy Carbon (GC), Silver (Ag) Directly compatible with the Autolab RDE and RRDE rotators for hydrodynamic measurements (as rotating disk electrodes) Conveniently used in static conditions with a pin connector (M4) and a Metrohm electrode shaft with integrated 4 mm banana connector
		Metrohm Autolab 5 mm disk electrodes Electrode tips with 5 mm active material disk and a PEEK shaft for the best chemical compatibility Available with different disk materials such as: Platinum (Pt), Gold (Au), Glassy Carbon (GC), Silver (Ag) and other metals. A blank shaft is also available which can be filled with your own material Directly compatible with the Autolab RDE and RRDE rotators (only for Pt, GC and Au) for hydrodynamic measurements (as rotating disk electrodes) Conveniently used in static conditions with a pin connector (M4) and a Metrohm electrode shaft with integrated 4 mm banana connector
		Metrohm Autolab Ring-Disk electrodes Dual, ring-disk electrode with 5 mm active material disk (0.375 mm thick) and a concentric Platinum ring, separated by a 0.375 mm electrically insulated, leak-free gap Theoretical collection efficiency of 24.9% PEEK shaft material for the best chemical compatibility Available with different disk materials : Platinum (Pt), Gold (Au), or Glassy Carbon (GC) Directly compatible with the Autolab RRDE rotators for hydrodynamic ring-disk measurements
		Microelectrodes Comprehensive range of microelectrodes for exploring fundamental electrochemical principles, developing novel sensors, or investigating complex biological systems Exceptional sensitivity, reduced Ohmic drop, enhanced mass transport, minimal sample volume, suitable for a broad range of electrochemical techniques Available in a wide range of materials (e.g., Pt, Au, Ag, Ir) and disk diameters (10, 25, 50, 100, 500 µm) Fit directly into the Metrohm electrode shaft with integrated 4 mm banana connector for convenient and precise connection to your potentiostat Due to the low measured current signals, the use of an Autolab Faraday cage is recommended for electrochemical measurements with microelectrodes
		Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) crystals Gold (Au) and Platinum (Pt) coated quartz electrodes with a 6 MHz resonance frequency for fundamental and applied electrochemical studies in many applications such as (bio)sensor development, plating, corrosion, among others Compatible with the Metrohm Autolab Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance module with 13.6 mm crystal and 6.7 mm electrode diameter Double-sided crystal design with integrated contacts on both sides, providing extended electrode lifetime and convenience High sensitivity with detection limits in the range of ng/cm²
		Metrohm DropSens Screen Printed Electrodes (SPE) Screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) are manufactured by printing a wide variety of inks over different substrates allowing rapid on-site analysis with high reproducibility, sensitivity and accuracy. Disposable, single use sensors which eliminate the electrode maintenance Specially designed to work with microvolumes, provide a low-cost, miniaturized platform for electrochemical research in different fields such as (bio)sensors, electroanalytical, electrocalatysis and others Available with a wide range of materials, configurations and types Conveniently connected to the Autolab potentiostats by using dedicated adaptors
Counter (Auxiliary) electrodes		Platinum sheet counter electrode Can be used as a counter electrode for most electrochemical measurements Consists of a thin platinum sheet (~1 cm² surface area), embedded into a glass shaft Highly inert, robust and easy to clean Integrated 4 mm banana connector for convenient and precise connection to your potentiostat Standard 14/15 conical fitting, fits directly into the Metrohm Autolab measurement cells without any additional adaptors
		Metrohm Autolab EQCM compatible counter electrode Gold (Au) coil counter electrode specially designed for the Autolab EQCM cell Highly inert, simple, and easy to clean Connect your Autolab potentiostat cables through the 4 mm banana to alligator clip adaptors which are included with every potentiostat
		Metrohm Autolab Rod electrodes Inert rod electrodes which can be used as counter electrodes in your electrochemical measurements 2 mm outer diameter rods available in GC, Pt, Au and Stainless Steel, in various lengths Connect directly to the Metrohm electrode shaft with standard 14/15 conical fitting and integrated 4 mm banana connector for convenient and precise connection to your potentiostat. When used with the Metrohm shaft, it fits directly into the Metrohm Autolab measurement cells without any additional adaptors
Reference electrodes		Metrohm single-junction Ag/AgCl reference electrode General purpose, refillable, silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) reference electrode with c(KCl) = 3 mol/L as reference electrolyte, suitable for aqueous applications Sigle junction with low impedance, low leakage ceramic diaphragm, with glass shaft material, suitable for most of the electrochemical measurements across various applications Integrated 4 mm banana connector for convenient and precise connection to your potentiostat Standard 14/15 conical fitting, fits directly into the Metrohm Autolab measurement cells without any additional adaptors
		Metrohm double-junction Ag/AgCl reference electrode General purpose, refillable, silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) reference electrodes suitable for aqueous and non-aqueous applications Double-junction with low impedance, low leakage ceramic diaphragm, with glass shaft material, suitable for electrochemical measurements sensitive to (external) ionic impurities Refillable and freely selectable reference and bridge electrolyte according to the application requirements Integrated 4 mm banana connector for convenient and precise connection to your potentiostat Standard 14/15 conical fitting, fits directly into the Metrohm Autolab measurement cells without any additional adaptors
		Metrohm Autolab EQCM compatible Ag/AgCl reference electrode Silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) mini reference electrode specially designed for the Autolab EQCM cell Saturated KCl gel electrolyte sealed in a glass shaft (not refillable) with ceramic diafragm, for low leakage purposes. Connect your Autolab potentiostat cables through the 4 mm banana connector directly attached to the reference electrode
Adaptors and connectors		Adaptor cable for connecting Metrohm Dropsens SPEs to 4 mm banana connectors Flexible adapter cable to conveniently connect the Metrohm Autolab potentiostats to the Metrohm DropSens Screen Printed Electrodes (SPEs) 4 mm banana connectors are directly attached to the adapter cable to conveniently connect to any Autolab potentiostat cable Recommended when working with SPEs immersed in solution or when working with cells and flow-cells
		Connector box for connecting Metrohm DropSens SPEs to 4 mm banana connectors Robust adapter box to conveniently connect the Metrohm Autolab potentiostats to the Metrohm DropSens Screen Printed Electrodes (SPEs) Integrated 4 mm banana connectors to conveniently connect any Autolab potentiostat cable Recommended when working with SPEs in microvolumes, i.e., by placing a drop of electrolyte over the electrode
		Alligator clips Alligator clips directly attachable to the standard 4 mm banana connectors Convenient and precise connection of your Autolab potentiostat to electrodes with non-standard connection used in your electrochemical cell Available in 2 different sizes in red and black