Technology

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy(EIS)

Latest updated: June 26, 2024


What is electrochemical impedance spectroscopy


Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is an important technique in electrochemical testing, widely used for studying the kinetics of electrode processes and surface phenomena. In recent years, with the rapid development of frequency response analyzers, the accuracy of impedance measurements has significantly improved. EIS has found extensive applications in the field of electrochemistry, such as analysis of electrode processes (double layer and diffusion), investigation of battery electrode materials, solid electrolytes, conductive polymers, corrosion protection mechanisms, and more.



Overview of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) involves applying small-amplitude sinusoidal potential (or current) perturbations to an electrochemical system and measuring the corresponding current (or potential) response, resulting in an impedance spectrum. This spectrum reflects the variation of impedance with frequency in the electrochemical system, providing rich information about interface structures and kinetics.

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy


Basic approach of using EIS to study an electrochemical system

The electrochemical system is considered as an equivalent circuit composed of basic elements such as resistors (R), capacitors (C), inductors (L), etc., connected in series or parallel. Through EIS, the numerical value of these elements can be quantitatively determined, and their electrochemical meaning can be utilized to analyze the structure of the electrochemical system and the nature of electrode processes.

Using EIS to Study an Electrochemical System


Meaning of AC impedance in an electrochemical system

EIS measures the impedance or admittance of an electrochemical system as a function of frequency by analyzing the response signals. Impedance and admittance are complex numbers that consist of a real part and an imaginary part, corresponding to the resistive and capacitive (or inductive) characteristics of the electrochemical system. These complex datas can be plotted as impedance spectra or admittance spectra, visually depicting the frequency-dependent variations of impedance or admittance in the electrochemical system.


Meaning of AC Impedance in an Electrochemical System


Meaning of AC Impedance in an Electrochemical System-2


EIS technique involves measuring the ratio of the perturbation signal X to the response signal Y at different frequencies (w or f), obtaining the real part Z', imaginary part Z", modulus |Z|, and phase angle f of the impedance at different frequencies. These quantities are then plotted in various forms to generate EIS spectra. These are two commonly used types of electrochemical impedance spectra: Nyquist plot and Bode plot.


Nyquist plot

Nyquist plot

Bode plot


Prerequisites for AC Impedance Measurement

(1) Causality Condition

The output response signal is solely caused by the input perturbation signal.

(2) Linearity Condition

There exists a linear relationship between the output response signal and the input perturbation signal. The current-potential relationship in an electrochemical system is determined by non-linear dynamic laws. However, when applying small-amplitude sinusoidal potential signals as perturbations, the relationship between potential and current can be approximated as linear. Typically, the amplitude of the sinusoidal potential perturbation is around 5mV and generally does not exceed 10mV.

(3) Stability Condition

The perturbation does not induce any changes in the internal structure of the system, and after the perturbation ceases, the system can return to its original state. Reversible reactions easily satisfy the stability condition. For irreversible electrode processes, as long as the changes on the electrode surface are not rapid, and the perturbation amplitude is small with a short duration, the system can recover to a state close to its original state, which can be approximately considered as meeting the stability condition.



How to analyze electrochemical impedance spectra?


Equivalent Circuits and Equivalent Elements

sine potential signal and sine current signal


Resistor: A point on the horizontal axis (real part) in the Nyquist plot.

Capacitor: A straight line that coincides with the vertical axis (imaginary part) in the Nyquist plot.



resistance and capacitance


For a series RC circuit consisting of a resistor R and a capacitor C: In the Nyquist plot, it appears as a straight line intersecting the horizontal axis at R and running parallel to the vertical axis.


the RC circuit formed by the series of resistance R and capacitance C


In a circuit with a resistor R and a capacitor C connected in parallel, the Nyquist plot is represented by a semicircle with a radius of R/2.


the RC circuit formed by the parpallel of resistance R and capacitance C


EIS Controlled by Charge Transfer Processes

If the electrode process is controlled by charge transfer processes (electrochemical reaction steps) and the impedance caused by diffusion processes can be neglected, the equivalent circuit and impedance of the electrochemical system are represented as shown in the figure.


the equivalent circuit and impedance of the electrochemical system are represented as shown in the figure


When the electrode process is controlled by electrochemical reaction steps, the Nyquist plot appears as a semicircle. Based on this, the control steps of the electrode process can be determined. From the Nyquist plot, it can directly determine RW (Warburg impedance) and Rct (charge transfer resistance). The value of Cd (double-layer capacitance) can be obtained from the angular frequency (w) at the top of the semicircle.


From the Nyquist plot, one can directly determine RW (Warburg impedance) and Rct (charge transfer resistance)


Note: In the impedance spectra, the frequency range that should exhibit pure capacitive or resistive characteristics actually shows a behavior that lies between the two, known as the "dispersion effect." This effect makes the shape of the impedance spectrum more complex, no longer a simple semicircle or straight line, but it exhibits a "dispersive" characteristic.


The occurrence of the dispersion effect is influenced by various factors. Firstly, the surface inhomogeneity, roughness of the electrode, and the presence of adsorbates can affect the capacitive behavior of the electrode, leading to the appearance of the dispersion effect. Secondly, factors such as ionic conductivity and concentration distribution in the electrolyte solution can also affect the dispersion effect. Additionally, sources of noise, errors, and other factors during the measurement process can interfere with the shape of the impedance spectrum, exacerbating the dispersion effect.


The presence of the dispersion effect makes the analysis of EIS data more complex. To accurately understand the nature and behavior of electrochemical systems, researchers need to use more sophisticated equivalent circuit models to describe the dispersion effect. These models often include additional components such as constant phase angle elements (CPE) to better fit the actual impedance spectrum data.


At the same time, measures need to be taken during the measurement process to minimize the impact of the dispersion effect. For example, optimizing the electrode preparation process to improve the uniformity and smoothness of the electrode surface, selecting suitable electrolyte solution and concentration to reduce the influence of ionic conductivity and concentration distribution on the dispersion effect, and using high-precision measurement equipment and methods to reduce the interference of noise and errors on the shape of the impedance spectrum.


EIS controlled by a combination of charge transfer and diffusion processes

If the charge transfer kinetics is not very fast and both the charge transfer process and diffusion process jointly control the overall electrode process, resulting in the presence of both electrochemical polarization and concentration polarization, the equivalent circuit of the electrochemical system can be represented simply as:


Nyquist plot-the diffusion-controlled process


In the Nyquist plot, the diffusion-controlled process is represented as a straight line with a slope of π/4 (45°). When the electrode process is jointly controlled by charge transfer and diffusion processes, the Nyquist plot exhibits a semicircle in the high-frequency region and a 45-degree straight line in the low-frequency region throughout the frequency domain. The high-frequency region is controlled by the electrode reaction kinetics (charge transfer process), while the low-frequency region is governed by the diffusion of reactants or products involved in the electrode reaction. The straight line representing the diffusion impedance may deviate from the 45-degree angle due to reasons such as a rough electrode surface, resulting in partial spherical diffusion. Apart from the electrode potential, there is another state variable that introduces reactance during the measurement process.


Complex or Special Electrochemical Systems

For complex or special electrochemical systems, the shape of the EIS spectrum becomes more diverse and complex. The use of only resistors and capacitors is insufficient to describe the equivalent circuit; other electrochemical components such as reactance, constant phase elements (CPE), and other elements need to be introduced.



NEWARE

755 Ames Avenue, Milpitas, CA, USA, 95035

neware-battery-test-newareAI neware-battery-test-newareStore neware-battery-test-neware-newell


· Popular Product


NEWARE-Battery Tester-CT-8002Q-5V100mA

Battery Test Equipment-NEWARE

CT-8002Q-5V100mA-124

CT-8000 Battery Testing System

● Voltage&Current Accuracy:±0.01% F.S.

● Recording Frequency:100Hz

● Current Response Time:≤1ms

● Minimum Pulse Width:500ms

● Off-Line Test:1GB/CH

● Cycle Life, GITT Test, DCIR Test, dQ/dV Curve

NEWARE-Battery Tester-CT-4008Q-5V100mA-124

Battery Test Equipment-NEWARE

CT-4008Q-5V100mA-124

CT-4000 Battery Testing System

● Voltage & Current Accuracy:±0.01% F.S.

● Recording Frequency:10Hz

● Sampling Time:100ms

● Current Response Time:≤1ms

● Minimum Pulse Width:500ms

● Off-Line Test: 1GB


CE-4008Q-5V15A-thumb

Battery Test Equipment-NEWARE

CE-4008Q-5V15A

CE-4000 Battery Testing System

● Voltage & Current Accuracy:±0.05% F.S.

● Recording Frequency:10Hz

● Sampling Time:100ms

● Current Response Time:≤1ms

● Energy Efficiency:>65%

● Off-Line Test: 1GB

Bttery test equipment-NEWARE-CE-4008Q-5V20A-Battery Testing System

Battery Test Equipment-NEWARE

CE-4008Q-5V20A

CE-4000 Battery Testing System

● Voltage & Current Accuracy:±0.05% F.S.

● Recording Frequency:10Hz

● Sampling Time:100ms

● Current Response Time:≤1ms

● Energy Efficiency:>65%

● Off-Line Test: 1GB

CE-4008Q-5V30A-thumb

Battery Test Equipment-NEWARE

CE-4008Q-5V30A

CE-4000 Battery Testing System

● Voltage & Current Accuracy:±0.05% F.S.

● Recording Frequency:10Hz

● Sampling Time:100ms

● Current Response Time:≤1ms

● Energy Efficiency:>65%

● Off-Line Test: 1GB

NEWARE-Battery Tester-CE-5012-5V600A

Battery Test Equipment-NEWARE

CE-5012-5V600A

CE-5000 Battery Testing System

● Voltage Accuracy:±0.02% F.S.

● Current Accuracy:±0.05% F.S.

● Resolution Ratio AD/DA:16bit

● Current Response Time:≤1ms

● Minimum Pulse Width:100ms

● Off-Line Test:1GB/CH

NEWARE-Battery Tester-CE-6000 Cell Testing System

Battery Test Equipment-NEWARE

CE-6000 Cell Testing System

● Voltage & Current Accuracy:±0.05% F.S.

● Recording Frequency:100Hz

● Current Conversion Time:≤6ms

● Current Response Time:≤3ms

● Minimum Pulse Width:100ms

● Feedback Efficiency (Max) :75%

NEWARE-Battery Teste-CT-9002-5V6A-F-204n

Battery Test Equipment-NEWARE

CT-9002-5V6A-F-204n

CT-9000 Battery Testing System

● Voltage & Current Accuracy:±0.02% F.S.

● Voltage & Current Stability:±0.01% F.S.

● Recording Frequency:1000Hz

● Resolution AD:16bit

● Current Response Time:≤100μs

● Off-Line Test: 1GB

NEWARE and Cookies
We use Cookie to personalize and improve your experience with our website. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.