Potentiostat: Uses and How to Use It
Potentiostat: Uses and How to Use It
A potentiostat is an electrochemical instrument that controls the potential of a working electrode against a reference electrode while measuring the current flowing through a counter electrode. It is used for cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy (EIS), corrosion testing and battery and supercapacitor testing.
What is a potentiostat used for?
- Cyclic voltammetry (CV) to study redox reactions.
- Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for resistance and capacitance.
- Corrosion rate testing of metals and coatings.
- Galvanostatic charge-discharge of batteries and supercapacitors.
Parts of a potentiostat
- 1Potentiostat unit – connected to a computer and software
- 2Cell cables – labelled WE, RE, CE (and sense)
- 3Working electrode (WE) – where the measured reaction happens
- 4Reference (RE) and counter (CE) electrodes – RE gives the reference potential; CE completes the current path
How to use a potentiostat
Set up the three-electrode cell
Fill the cell with electrolyte and fit the working (1), reference (2) and counter (3) electrodes. Place the RE close to the WE and make sure no air bubbles cling to the electrodes.
Connect the leads by their labels
Clip each lead to its electrode by label (WE, RE, CE) while the cell is off (1). Do not kink the cables and keep the clips from touching each other.
Check OCP, set the method, then run
Measure the open-circuit potential (OCP) until stable, then set the method (e.g. CV or EIS) with potential limits and current range in the software (1) and start the run.
Turn the cell off before disconnecting
When the run ends, make sure the cell is off (1) before removing the leads. Rinse the electrodes and store the reference electrode in saturated KCl.
Common mistakes
- Connecting or disconnecting leads while the cell is on: current spikes can damage the sample and instrument.
- Letting the reference electrode dry out or trap bubbles: the potential drifts and data become unreliable.
Care and safety
- Polish glassy-carbon or platinum working electrodes with fine alumina (e.g. 0.05 µm) on a polishing cloth and rinse before measuring.
- Test the instrument periodically with its dummy cell to confirm calibration.
SOP for using a potentiostat
A summary of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for a potentiostat that your laboratory can adapt. Each step is explained in the how-to section above.
1Protective equipment
- A buttoned, long-sleeved lab coat.
- Safety glasses; goggles where corrosive splashes are possible.
- Nitrile gloves suited to the chemicals handled; heat-resistant gloves for hot items.
2Before use
- Only users trained by the instrument supervisor may operate it alone; read the manufacturer's manual.
- The instrument and computer are on and connected; cell cables are not kinked or damaged.
- The reference electrode is filled, bubble-free and checked against another reference if needed.
- Acid, alkaline or organic electrolytes are handled per the SDS; the cell sits in a secondary tray.
3Procedure
4After use
- Make sure the cell is off before removing the leads.
- Save the data, rinse the electrodes, store the RE in saturated KCl and discard electrolyte into the correct waste.
- Record use in the log.
5Verification & calibration
- Measure the supplied dummy cell periodically and compare with its nominal values.
- Have the instrument calibrated by the manufacturer or its agent as scheduled.
6Emergencies
- Electrolyte spill: turn the cell off, deal with the spill per the SDS and keep it away from the instrument.
- Chemical on skin or in eyes: rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes (eyewash or safety shower), then report to the lab supervisor.
- Smoke, burning smell or electric shock: switch off at the socket if safe, never use water, use a CO₂ extinguisher and report it.
A print-ready version with purpose, scope, illustrated procedure, verification and sign-off boxes. Fill in your own document number and effective date.
Download the SOP (PDF, A4)Types and sizes
Single-channel potentiostats for general research, multichannel units for testing many cells at once, bipotentiostats for two working electrodes (e.g. rotating ring-disc), plus EIS modules and high-current boosters. Large-scale battery cycling usually uses dedicated battery testers.
Potentiostat at AMI Scientific
Examples of potentiostat available in our store. Prices exclude VAT.
Ossila Potentiostat Complete KIT T2006B1/T2006C1From Rp89.667.000
CS350M CORRRTEST SINGLE CHANNEL MODELS EIS / POTENTIOSTAT / GALVANOSTATFrom Rp167.884.000
CS1350 Pro Corrtest Single-Channel Potentiostat/GalvanostatFrom Rp183.885.000
CS2350M BIPOTENTIOSTAT (2 INDEPENDENT CHANNEL) WITH/WITHOUT EISFrom Rp190.026.000
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a potentiostat use three electrodes?
The reference electrode carries no current, so its potential stays stable as a reference, while current flows between the working and counter electrodes.
What is the difference between a potentiostat and a galvanostat?
A potentiostat controls potential and measures current; a galvanostat controls current and measures potential. Most modern instruments do both.
Related equipment
Compiled by the AMI Scientific team from standard laboratory practice. Illustrations: AMI Scientific. Updated: 06-11-2026.
Need a potentiostat for your laboratory?
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Available at AMI Scientific
Ossila Potentiostat Complete KIT T2006B1/T2006C1
From Rp89.667.000