Electrochemical microelectrode degradation monitoring: in situ investigation of platinum corrosion at neutral pH

Objective. The stability of platinum and other noble metal electrodes is critical for neural implants, electrochemical sensors, and energy sources. Beyond the acidic or alkaline environment found in most electrochemical studies, the investigation of electrode corrosion in neutral pH and chloride containing electrolytes is essential, particularly regarding the long-term stability of neural interfaces, such as brain stimulation electrodes or cochlear implants. In addition, the increased use of microfabricated devices demands the investigation of thin-film electrode stability. Approach. We developed a procedure of electrochemical methods for continuous tracking of electrode degradation in situ over the complete life cycle of platinum thin-film microelectrodes in a unique combination with simultaneous chemical sensing. We used chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry to measure electrode surface and analyte redox processes, together with accelerated electrochemical degradation. Main results. We compared degradation between thin-film microelectrodes and bulk electrodes, neutral to acidic pH, different pulsing schemes, and the presence of the redox active species oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Results were confirmed by mechanical profilometry and microscopy to determine material changes on a nanometer scale. We found that electrode degradation is mainly driven by repeated formation and removal of the platinum surface oxide, also within the electrochemical stability window of water. There was no considerable difference between thin-film micro- and macroscopic bulk electrodes or in the presence of reactive species, whereas acidic pH or extending the potential window led to increased degradation. Significance. Our results provide valuable fundamental information on platinum microelectrode degradation under conditions found in biomedical applications. For the first time, we deployed a unified method to report quantitative data on electrode degradation up to a defined endpoint. Our method is a widely applicable framework for comparative long-term studies of sensor and neural interface stability.

Monitoring electrode/electrolyte interfaces of Li-ion batteries under working conditions: A surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic study on LiCoO2 composite cathodes

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used for electrical energy storage in portable devices and are promising systems for large-scale energy storage. However, their application is still limited due to electrode degradation and stability issues. To enhance the fundamental understanding of electrode degradation we report on the Raman spectroscopic characterization of LiCoO2 cathode materials of working Li-ion batteries. To facilitate the spectroscopic analysis of the SEI (solid electrolyte interface) we apply surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy by using Au nanoparticles coated with a thin SiO2 layer (Au@SiO2). We observe a surface-enhanced Raman signal of Li2CO3 at 1090 cm-1 during electrochemical cycling as an intermediate. Its formation/decomposition highlights the role of Li2CO3 as a component of the SEI on LiCoO2 composite cathodes. Our results demonstrate the potential of Raman spectroscopy to monitor electrode/electrolyte interfaces of lithium-ion batteries under working conditions thus allowing relations between electrochemical performance and structural changes to be established.

Высоковольтная деградация электродов, обусловленная электрохимической инжекцией в жидких диэлектриках

The results of experimental studies of the electrode degradation caused by electrochemical reactions under the action of high-voltage fields are presented. Under study were technical hydrocarbon and polymethylsiloxane (PMS) liquids, their solutions with iodine (I2) at chemically active (Cu) and indifferent (Ti) electrodes. It is shown that in hydrocarbons the Cu electrodes interact intensively with I2, and the cathodic degradation is more intense than the anodic one. The Ti electrodes do not degrade, but physical adsorption of I2 occurs on them in hydrocarbons, and a polymer film forms on them in PMS. The kinetics of degradation in time was studied.

Surface plasma with an inkjet-printed patterned electrode for low-temperature applications

The global health crisis caused by the recent pandemic has led to increasing social demand for ‘new normal’ sanitizing and disinfecting facilities to fit our ‘new normal’ lives. Here, we introduce an inkjet-printed, thin-film plasma source applicable to dry disinfection processes. In contrast to conventional plasma reactors, the merits of plasma produced on a film include disposability, cost-effectiveness, and applicability to high-dimensional objects such as the human body. The developed flexible plasma film can be applied to a wide variety of shapes via origami—remaining plasma stable even when bent. However, electrode degradation has been a practical issue in the long-term operation of inkjet-printed plasma sources, which is troublesome from application perspectives. We focus on making the inkjet-printed electrode more plasma stress-resistant, thereby increasing its lifespan from a few minutes to two hours of continuous operation with optimal inkjet printing and passivation, thus increasing the practicality of the source. Considering the fact that ozone and nitrogen oxides are selectively produced by plasma, we implement a disposable pouch-type plasma source and examine its usefulness in extending the shelf life of food.

Detailed Redox Mechanism and Self-Discharge Diagnostic of 4.9 V LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 Spinel Cathode revealed by Raman Spectroscopy

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used for electrical energy storage in portable devices and are promising systems for large-scale energy storage. However, their application is still limited due to electrode degradation...