Concentric Ring Three-Electrode Array for Local Electrochemical Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrochemical testing systems struggle to obtain comprehensive local electrochemical information, particularly in heterogeneous systems involving gas, liquid, and solid phases, as existing methods are limited in measuring local current, impedance, and other data, and are affected by high resistivity and electrolyte dispersibility.

Innovation Solution

A three-electrode array local electrochemical information testing system comprising a concentric ring three-electrode array with a high-speed switch and electrochemical workstation, featuring a ring-shaped auxiliary electrode, a solid-state reference electrode, and a wire-shaped working electrode, allowing for comprehensive acquisition of galvanic current, corrosion potential, and impedance data in both coupling and uncoupling states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If scanning microprobe electrochemical techniques (SVET, LEIS, SKP) are used, then local electrochemical information can be obtained, but the test information is indirect and cannot directly measure local current, impedance and other data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal electrochemical information accuracyVSAvoiddirect measurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode surface is divided into multiple independent micro-electrodes arranged in an array, allowing each electrode to function as an independent measurement point. This segmentation enables direct measurement of local electrochemical parameters at multiple positions simultaneously, transforming the indirect measurement limitation into a direct measurement capability while maintaining spatial resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each micro-electrode in the array is designed with multi-functionality, capable of measuring multiple electrochemical parameters (potential, current, impedance) through different connection configurations. The electrodes can operate independently or in combination, providing comprehensive electrochemical information without requiring multiple separate measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If conventional electrode array technology is used, then corrosion potential and galvanic current distribution can be measured, but local current, impedance and other comprehensive data cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest information completenessVSAvoidmeasurement parameter range
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode array system incorporates universal measurement capabilities where each electrode can measure multiple parameters (potential, current, impedance) through configurable connections. The system can adapt to different measurement needs by changing the connection mode, thereby obtaining comprehensive electrochemical information including local current density, impedance, and potential distribution simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode array system employs dynamic measurement modes that can switch between different connection configurations (coupling and uncoupling states). This dynamic adaptability allows the system to measure various electrochemical parameters by reconfiguring electrode connections, expanding the measurement parameter range while maintaining information completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If array electrode is used in high resistivity environments with dispersed electrolyte, then measurement is possible, but potential accuracy is affected by ohmic potential drop and electrolyte dispersibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepotential measurement accuracyVSAvoidohmic potential drop and electrolyte dispersibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses closely spaced micro-electrodes with dimensions optimized for local measurement quality. The small electrode size and close spacing minimize the ohmic potential drop in the electrolyte between measurement points, reducing the harmful effects of high resistivity and electrolyte dispersibility on measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode array configuration acts as an intermediary that minimizes the impact of ohmic potential drop. By using multiple closely spaced electrodes rather than single distant electrodes, the system reduces the electrolyte path length and resistance, thereby minimizing the ohmic potential drop error in high resistivity environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Quantity of substance

If three-electrode array system is implemented, then comprehensive electrochemical information can be acquired, but device complexity increases compared to conventional methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrochemical information comprehensivenessVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated electrode array structure. By combining working electrodes, reference electrodes, and auxiliary electrodes in a unified array configuration with standardized connections, the system achieves comprehensive electrochemical measurement capabilities while reducing the complexity that would result from using multiple separate measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode array employs universal electrode designs that can perform multiple measurement functions through different connection configurations. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for specialized electrodes for each measurement type, as the same electrode structure can measure potential, current, and impedance depending on how it is connected in the circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system provides more comprehensive and accurate electrochemical information, including galvanic current, corrosion potential, and impedance, with improved test accuracy in high resistivity environments and applicability to various heterogeneous corrosion systems.

Implementation Method 1

the solid-state reference electrode is located within the ring-shaped auxiliary electrode, the solid-state reference electrode is separated from the ring-shaped auxiliary electrode by means of the insulating material; and the ring-shaped auxiliary electrode, the solid-state reference electrode and the wire-shaped working electrode are connected with the high-speed toggle switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical potential:

Implementation Method 2

A three-electrode array local electrochemical information testing system, comprising: a concentric ring three-electrode array, a high-speed switch and an electrochemical workstation, which are electrically connected in sequence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGalvanic current:

Implementation Method 3

A three-electrode array local electrochemical information testing system, comprising: a concentric ring three-electrode array, a high-speed switch and an electrochemical workstation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical impedance: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentUS11333624B2Three-electrode array local electrochemical information testing system and testing method
Publication Date: 2022.05.17 CHINA UNIV OF PETROLEUM (EAST CHINA)
  • US11333624B2 patent drawing
  • US11333624B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A three-electrode array local electrochemical information testing system and a testing method, the testing system comprising: a concentric ring three-electrode array, a high-speed switch and an electrochemical workstation, which are electrically connected in sequence; the concentric ring three-electrode array comprises a plurality of concentric ring three-electrode units, adjacent concentric ring three-electrode units being separated by an insulating material; a concentric ring three-electrode unit comprises a ring-shaped auxiliary electrode, a solid-state reference electrode and a wire-shaped working electrode; the ring-shaped auxiliary electrode and the solid-state reference electrode are both formed in an ring-shaped shape; the wire-shaped working electrode is located within the solid-state reference electrode, the wire-shaped working electrode being separated from the solid-state reference electrode by means of the insulating material; the solid-state reference electrode is located within the ring-shaped auxiliary electrode.