ProboStat Versatile High Temperature Test Fixture

The ProboStat™ is a cell for measurements of electrical properties, transport parameters, and kinetics of materials, solid/gas interfaces and electrodes under controlled atmospheres at high temperatures up to 1600ºC. The versatile construction and broad range of accessories of the system are based on years of development and experience in the Kofstad/Norby group at the University of Oslo. A ProboStat™ system offers a cost-effective alternative to developing and building your own cell for studies, characterization and testing of inorganic materials, electroceramics, fuel cell components, membrane materials, etc.

Brief description

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

• Base unit with electrical and gas connectors (Nickel Plated Brass or Stainless Steel)
• 20 mm diameter alumina support tube for cells up to 20 mm (25 mm optional)
• Spring-load assembly for compressing cell onto support
• Pt wire mesh and net electrodes for current collection
• Inner and outer Pt/alumina electrode assemblies
• Thermocouple Type K (Chromel/Alumel) for up to 1200°C or Type S (Pt/Pt 10% Rh) for temperatures up to 1600°C
• Gas supply tubes
• Alumina Outer Containment tube, 40mm OD
• Manual, Tools, Storage Case, Support Stand, etc.

        

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