In Situ Infrared Spectroelectrochemical Cell (Internal Reflection), Model: EC-IR1

Description

Product Description

The EC-IR1 is an H-type, two-chamber in situ infrared spectroelectrochemical cell designed for internal-reflection ATR-SEIRAS measurements. Its Au-coated single-crystal Si working substrate enables surface-sensitive analysis of adsorbed species and reaction intermediates under electrochemical control. A replaceable membrane separates the two chambers, while bottom magnetic stirring and independent gas inlet/outlet ports support controlled electrolyte mixing and gas handling.

Key Features

• Internal-Reflection ATR-SEIRAS: Supports surface-sensitive infrared measurements of adsorbed species and reaction intermediates using an Au-coated Si working substrate.
• Membrane-Separated Two-Chamber Design: Separates the electrolyte chambers using a replaceable membrane, with independent gas inlet/outlet ports.
• Bottom Magnetic Stirring: Provides controlled electrolyte mixing during potential-dependent infrared measurements of electrode interfaces.

Technical Specifications

Chamber structure	Two-chamber (H-type)
Electrode system	Three-electrode
Reflection configuration	Internal reflection (ATR-SEIRAS)
Cell volume	< 20 mL
Working electrode	Au-coated single-crystal Si
Counter electrode	Graphite electrode
Reference electrode	Ag/AgCl electrode
Optical window material	Single-crystal Si
Cell body material	PEEK

Working Principle

In the EC-IR1, an infrared beam enters the single-crystal Si internal reflection element (IRE) and undergoes internal reflection at the Au-coated interface. The resulting evanescent field probes adsorbed species and reaction intermediates at the working-electrode surface, enabling potential-dependent ATR-SEIRAS measurements. Bottom magnetic stirring improves electrolyte mixing and mass transport during electrochemical operation.

Measurement Configuration

The EC-IR1 employs an internal-reflection ATR-SEIRAS configuration with an Au-coated single-crystal Si working electrode and bottom magnetic stirring. It is suited to surface-sensitive monitoring of adsorbed species and reaction intermediates at the electrode–electrolyte interface, particularly on catalyst-coated Au/Si substrates. The cell is designed for use with the PIKE Technologies VeeMAX III optical accessory (required; sold separately).

Published Application Example

Facet-Dependent CO Adsorption during CO₂ Electroreduction: The EC-IR1 was employed for internal-reflection ATR-SEIRAS measurements of adsorbed CO intermediates on Cu films with different facet exposure during CO₂ electroreduction. Using catalyst-coated Au/Si working electrodes in 0.1 M KOH, potential-dependent spectra distinguished linearly bonded CO (~2050 cm⁻¹) from bridge-bonded CO (~1800 cm⁻¹). Higher *CO coverage on Cu(100)-rich HRS-Cu supported enhanced C–C coupling toward C₂+ products. Separate flow-cell tests achieved Faradaic efficiencies of 58.6% for ethylene and 86.6% for C₂+ products.

Reproduced from Zhang, G. et al. Nat. Commun. 2021, 12, 5745. CC BY 4.0.

Demonstrated EC-IR1 Capabilities

• Internal-reflection ATR-SEIRAS using catalyst-coated Au/Si working electrodes.
• Potential-dependent monitoring of linearly and bridge-bonded CO species.
• Comparative investigation of catalyst facets and reaction pathways.

Product Identification Note: The source product manual identifies EC-IR1 as the Beyond Battery® product code corresponding to the cell reported in the cited publication. The original article uses a different product designation.