Electrochemical characterization analysis laboratory
You want to carry out an electrochemical characterization analysis of your materials
What is electrochemical characterization?
Electrochemical characterization is an essential analytical method for assessing the electrical and chemical properties of materials. This technique is used to examine the response of a material when subjected to an electrochemical environment. It encompasses several techniques, such as cyclic voltametry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarisation curves … Electrochemical characterization can be applied to a wide range of industrial sectors, from aeronautics and cosmetics to energy and medical devices.
Electrochemical interactions and their effects on materials
In many industries, analysing the electrochemical interactions of materials is essential to controlling the complex phenomena that influence their performance and durability.
For example, corrosion, which refers to the degradation of metals by electrochemical reactions (such as the formation of rust), is a major issue in the construction and aeronautics sectors. Conversely, some materials, such as aluminium, benefit from passivation, where a protective layer limits these reactions, offering increased resistance. Redox reactions (reduction-oxidation) play a central role in energy technologies, notably batteries and fuel cells, while electroplating is widely used for plating metals and improving surface properties. Finally, in batteries, the formation of solid interfacial layers is a key factor in optimising their performance and lifespan.
Dans de nombreuses industries, l’analyse des interactions électrochimiques des matériaux est essentielle pour maîtriser des phénomènes complexes qui influencent leur performance et leur durabilité.
Par exemple, la corrosion, qui désigne la dégradation des métaux par des réactions électrochimiques (comme la formation de rouille), représente un enjeu majeur dans les secteurs de la construction et de l’aéronautique. À l’inverse, certains matériaux, comme l’aluminium, bénéficient d’une passivation, où une couche protectrice limite ces réactions, offrant une résistance accrue. Les réactions redox (réduction-oxydation) jouent un rôle central dans les technologies énergétiques, notamment les batteries et les piles à combustible, tandis que l’électrodéposition est largement utilisée pour le placage de métaux et l’amélioration des propriétés de surface. Enfin, dans les batteries, la formation de couches solides interfaciales (SEI) est un facteur déterminant pour optimiser leurs performances et leur durée de vie.
Why carry out an electrochemical analysis?
Carrying out electrochemical analysis on materials enables us to meet industrial challenges:
- Ensuring the durability and reliability of materials
Electrochemical analysis identifies degradation mechanisms, such as corrosion, and makes it possible to select or improve materials to make them more resistant to specific conditions. - Optimising performance and reducing costs
This measure also makes it possible to develop better performing materials (conductivity, resistance, protection) and to prevent failures, thereby reducing the costs associated with maintenance, replacement and business interruptions. - Encouraging innovation and compliance
Thanks to a better understanding of electrochemical reactions, manufacturers can design innovative solutions (alloys, coatings) while ensuring that products comply with current standards.
Rapid and accurate analysis of metallic corrosion by electrochemical characterization
Electrolyte medium determined according to the intended application :
The most suitable electrolyte medium selected for your application, whether in marine, industrial or medical environments. This tailor-made approach ensures relevant and reliable results.
Obtain corrosion current density values for a metal
Shift in corrosion potential towards positive values (surface ennoblement) :
Our electrochemical characterization analysis also reveal a shift in the corrosion potential towards positive values, indicating surface ennoblement. This phenomenon is a clear sign of an improvement in the material’s corrosion resistance.
Information provided by the electrochemical characterization analysis
Electrochemical methods provide information on the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of the insertion or absorption reactions that occur during electrochemical operation. These techniques provide access to a multitude of parameters, such as working potential, equilibrium potential, entropy variation, specific capacitance, electrochemical reversibility, diffusion kinetics (Li, Na, H), ionic conductivity, cycling lifetime, etc.
The FILAB laboratory can help you analyse the electrochemical characterization of your materials
Why choose FILAB for electrochemical characterization analysis?
With a team of engineers and doctors specialising in metallic materials, the FILAB laboratory makes its knowledge and expertise available to carry out electrochemical characterization analysis of your metallic parts.
To provide you with the best possible support, the FILAB laboratory has Research Tax Credit (RTC) accreditation and is COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited .
our analysis services
Corrosion potential measurement (polarisation curves)
Characterization of protective properties: barrier properties, porosity, water permeability, delamination, filiform corrosion, etc,
Galvanic coupling measurement
Development of specific electrochemical tests (cathodic delamination, ACET, edge corrosion, etc.)
Our technical resources
Cyclic voltametry: study of oxidation and reduction reactions
Cyclic voltammetry is an electrochemical analysis technique used to study the oxidation and reduction mechanisms of materials. It involves applying a variable voltage to an electrode while measuring the current generated, thus revealing the chemical reactions taking place. This method is particularly used to explore the properties of electrodes in batteries, fuel cells and catalysts, by identifying the redox potentials and reaction processes involved.
Electrochemical impedance: characterization of interfaces and properties of materials
Electrochemical impedance is a non-destructive method that analyses the properties of the interfaces between a material and its electrochemical environment. By applying an alternating signal, it measures the resistance and the capacity of a system to conduct charges. This technique is essential for assessing the stability of protective coatings, the quality of electrodes in batteries, and the durability of biomaterials such as medical implants, providing valuable information about long-term mechanisms.
Polarisation curves: determining the corrosion rate
Polarisation curves are used to assess the corrosion resistance of materials. By applying a controlled variation in voltage and measuring the corresponding current, this method makes it possible to determine the corrosion rate and identify the electrochemical reactions involved. It is widely used in the metallurgical, aeronautical and chemical industries to optimise the choice of materials and anti-corrosion coatings in aggressive environments.
How to choose?
- Cyclic voltammetry: ideal for exploring reaction mechanisms, especially in the development of energetic or catalytic materials.
- Electrochemical impedance: preferred for analysing material durability, coating quality and long-term performance.
- Polarisation curves: recommended for rapid assessment of corrosion resistance or material performance in aggressive environments.
Contact FILAB for a personalised quote for the characterisation of your materials.
For which electrochemical environments?
Electrochemical interactions between materials occur in a variety of natural and industrial environments.
Aqueous environments, such as seawater, favour phenomena such as galvanic corrosion due to the presence of ions.
Humid or polluted atmospheres, rich in humidity and pollutants such as salt or sulphur dioxide, also accelerate the degradation of materials, particularly in marine or industrial areas.
Acidic or alkaline environments, with an extreme pH, and high-temperature environments encountered in the chemical or petrochemical industries, intensify electrochemical reactions.
Soils, rich in electrolytes and subject to variations in humidity, cause corrosion of buried structures, often amplified by bacteria, as in biocorrosion.
Finally, controlled electrochemical environments, used in processes such as electrolysis or electroplating, illustrate the importance of anticipating these interactions to guarantee the durability of materials under specific conditions.
FAQ
Electrochemical analysis methods, such as cyclic voltametry, are used to study oxidation and reduction reactions in materials for batteries, fuel cells and catalysts. Electrochemical impedance is used to characterise interface properties, assess the performance of protective coatings and test the durability of biomaterials. Finally, polarisation curves are essential for analysing the corrosion resistance of metals and alloys, as well as the electrochemical performance of electrodes and catalysts.
- Corrosion: assessing the resistance of materials to corrosive environments.
- Energy: test the performance of batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells.
- Protective coatings: analysing the barrier properties of paints, varnishes and other protective films.
- Biomaterials: studying the biocompatibility and corrosion of medical implants.
- Fundamental research: studying the mechanisms of electrochemical reactions, such as redox processes.
An electrochemical analyser is a laboratory or industrial device used to measure and analyse the electrochemical properties of materials and systems. It generates, controls and records electrical signals (current, voltage, impedance) to study the chemical reactions and phenomena that occur at the interface between a material (electrode) and an electrolyte.
Electrochemical impedance is an analysis used to measure the response of an electrochemical system when it is subjected to an electrical disturbance, such as an alternating current or voltage.
It is used to characterise the properties of the interfaces between a material and an electrolyte, assessing parameters such as charge conduction resistance and electrochemical capacitance.
This method is widely used to diagnose the performance of materials in electrochemical environments and to understand reaction mechanisms.
L’impédance électrochimique est une analyse utilisée pour mesurer la réponse d’un système électrochimique lorsqu’il est soumis à une perturbation électrique, comme un courant ou une tension alternatifs.
Elle permet de caractériser les propriétés des interfaces entre un matériau et un électrolyte, en évaluant des paramètres tels que la résistance à la conduction des charges et la capacité électrochimique.
Cette méthode est largement utilisée pour diagnostiquer les performances des matériaux dans des environnements électrochimiques et comprendre les mécanismes de réaction.
Many materials are concerned by electrochemical impedance. Metals and alloys (steel, aluminium) are analysed for their resistance to corrosion, while battery materials (graphite, lithium oxides) are used to optimise their performance. Protective coatings (paints, varnishes) are assessed to prevent degradation, and conductive polymers (PEDOT, polyaniline) for their conductivity and stability. Finally, biomaterials (titanium alloys) are studied for their biocorrosion properties. This versatility makes electrochemical impedance a key tool in energy, materials protection and biomedical devices.
L'analyse d'un bain de dépôt électrochimique est essentielle pour garantir un dépôt uniforme, optimiser les performances du processus et prévenir les défauts qui pourraient compromettre la qualité et la durabilité du revêtement. Elle implique la vérification de la composition chimique, en contrôlant les concentrations des ions métalliques responsables du dépôt, les additifs (nivelants, inhibiteurs) et les éventuelles impuretés pouvant altérer le processus. Les propriétés électrochimiques sont également mesurées pour assurer un contrôle précis des réactions. Enfin, des paramètres tels que le pH, la température et la conductivité du bain sont surveillés pour maintenir des conditions stables et efficaces, réduisant les défauts et améliorant la durabilité du revêtement.
