Capacitive displacement sensor (range 250 μm, resolution ≤ 5 nm)

Additional gas pressure (0 to 3 bar) and temperature sensor (-20 to 80° C)

Cableless cell connection for easy handling and low setup time

Adjustable force on electrode/cell stack (up to 20 N/cm²)

PAT-Button for automatic cell identification in EL-Software

The ECD‑4‑nano is a high‑resolution electrochemical dilatometer for quantifying thickness changes with a resolution of better than 5 nanometers. It can measure either the thickness change of the individual electrode or that of the cell stack consisting of anode and cathode. Its capacitive parallel plate sensor offers exceptional stability and sensitivity while the force applied to the electrode can be continuously adjusted between 1 and 15 N (up to 20 N/cm²). This means that even single-sided coated and heavily calendered electrodes, which can bend significantly during charging, can be measured.

Additional sensors for gas pressure and temperature are installed as standard, supplementing the options for sample characterization.

The test cell features a corrosion‑resistant base and offers superior tightness against ambient athmosphere, enabling stable long‑term operation and compatibility with a wide range of electrolytes. The ECD‑4‑nano is connected cablelessly to the PAT socket of a PAT-tester-x-8 or PAT‑Stand‑1 to minimize cable‑induced artifacts and simplify handling and installation. The integrated PAT-Button enables automatic cell detection in EL-Software.

Product Update 2025: What’s new?

New features:

• Adjustable Force 1-15 N

Improvements:

• Adjustment of the sensor head. New optional ECD-4 Centering Device for direct visual feedback (when using a PAT-Tester-x-8 as potentiostat)
• Rotation Lock for Allen wrench
• Frit Flange (improved protection against electrolyte spillage, improved height adjustment, reinforcement against deformation)
• Adjusted spacer disc diameter

Half-Cell Mode with reference electrode

A stiff glass frit, soaked in electrolyte, separates the working electrode (WE) from the counter electrode (CE). The upper WE is sealed using a flexible metal membrane, through which any charge-induced thickness change is transmitted toward the sensor/load unit attached on top. The glass frit’s fixation ensures that only the thickness change of the working electrode is detected without interference from the CE.

Full-Cell Mode (2-electrode measurement)

Both electrodes are separated by a thin (a few 10 microns) separator. The cell stack is sealed at the top by a flexible metal membrane through which any charge-induced change in thickness is transmitted toward the sensor/load unit mounted above. The lower electrode rests on a stainless steel current collector. In this setup, the thickness change of the entire cell stack is recorded.

The optional ECD-4 Full Cell Kit is required for this setup. See the accessories section for morge details.