Base SDC System
Perform precise, localized electrochemical characterization on large or complex substrates without full sample immersion. The Scanning Droplet Cell (SDC) platform offers localized electrochemical analysis and automated spatial mapping for advanced corrosion and materials research.
Complete SDC Platform
The Sensolytics SDC system is a complete, automated platform designed for localized electrochemical analysis. By using a miniaturized measurement cell that moves across the sample surface, spot-specific electrochemical data can be acquired without the need to fully immerse the sample. The system is suitable for both fundamental research in material science and for industrial applications on large or complex substrates.
The SDC system works by bringing a specially designed PMMA droplet cell into controlled, gentle contact with the substrate. The SDC head, designed as complete mobile electrochemical cell, integrates the reference electrode, the counter electrode, and the electrolyte reservoir. During the automated approach, the integrated force sensor continuously regulates the contact force, ensuring a reliable and reproducible electrolyte contact formation at every measurement point while protecting both the sample surface and the SDC tip from mechanical damage. To maintain data integrity during spatial mapping, the system executes an automated cleaning cycle after every measurement: the head is moved to a designated waste position, flushed via a micro-metering pump, and refilled with fresh electrolyte before proceeding to the next grid point.
Key Features
- Application-ready configuration:
- Complete positioning system: Stepper-motor controlled XYZ stage (up to 145 × 145 x 50 mm travel) with < 15 µm bidirectional repeatability for precise surface mapping.
- Force-controlled droplet cell: PMMA-based SDC head with integrated reference and counter electrodes for stable, localized measurements.
- Electrolyte handling Micro-metering pump for controlled, reproducible electrolyte delivery and automated flushing cycles.
- Measurement-ready setup: Includes PTFE SDC tips (0.5 mm diameter), sample holder equipped with electrical contact arms, optional joystick for rapid pre-positioning, and fully integrated control software.
- Automated and reproducible measurements: Force-sensor feedback ensures consistent electrolytecontact at every point, while automated cleaning and refilling cycles guarantee high data quality during large area scans.
- Localized electrochemical techniques: Designed to offer full compatibility with Metrohm Autolab potentiostats, the SDC system provides access to a comprehensive library of electrochemical methods and user-defined routines. Supported techniques include cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and potentiodynamic polarization.
- Modular system architecture: The base platform can be extended with the Option Photoelectrochemistry for light-driven studies, the Option Video for real-time sample alignment, and is fully compatible with Sensolytics SECM modules without replacing the core hardware.
Technical Specifications
SDC Option Photoelectrochemistry
Perform localized photoelectrochemical measurements with controlled electrolyte contact and integrated optical fiber illumination, for spatially resolved analysis of light-driven electrochemical processes.
Explore →
Option Video
The video macro system enables visual control of the sample alignment and probe positioning. It includes a manual zoom objective (1:0.7-4.5) with monochrome USB CCD camera, mounted on an independent stand for live view of the tip-sample interface.
Explore →
Sensolytics Base SECM
The complete scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) system providing high-resolution XYZ positioning, and intuitive software control for spatially resolved electrochemical measurements.
Explore →
Pseudo-reference electrode
The chloridized silver wire element is specifically designed to fit the Scanning Droplet Cell body with an included frit to form an electrode of the second kind. Furthermore, it is applicable as a pseudo-reference electrode for different applications. In addition, reference electrodes can be tailored to your specific needs. Please do not hesitate to contact us for an individual solution.
Explore →
SDC Heads
Upgrade your SDC cell for experiments in aggressive chemical environments with our specifically designed PEEK probe. It is fully adaptable to fit the reference and counter electrodes, as well as the optional light fiber, just like the standard PMMA probe.
Explore →
Positioning Joystick
Enhance your setup with our 3-axis joystick, designed to provide convenient, precise manual control over long travel ranges during the prepositioning phase.
Explore →
Standard Sample Holder
The standard SDC sample holder is designed for flat substrates. It incorporates two flexible arms with electrical contacts for sample polarization and features an integrated waste jar for convenient electrolyte collection.
Explore →
XL Sample Holder
Designed for larger substrates, the XL SDC sample holder (175 x 175 x 25 mm) is manufactured from PEEK to ensure robust performance and chemical compatibility in aggressive environments. Like the standard sample holder, it incorporates two flexible arms with electrical contacts and an integrated waste jar.
Explore →
Accessories Holder
Keep your workspace tidy and your components safe with our probe and accessories holder. This organizer is specifically designed to securely house your ready-to-use SDC probe, different tips, and necessary tools right at your fingertips.
Explore →
Picoplot Dispender
Piezoelectric dispensing system for precise deposition of picoliter droplets, enabling preparation of material libraries, combinatorial samples, and controlled placement of functional solutions.
Explore →
Spray Coater
Thin-film deposition system for controlled and uniform coatings. It allows reproducible preparation of functional layers, catalysts, or model surfaces for electrochemical and materials research.
Explore →
Faraday Cages
Built from robust varnished steel and optimized for Sensolytics SECM and SDC systems, our Faraday Cages are designed to ensure low-noise measurement conditions for high-sensitivity electrochemical experiments, maintaining convenient access for cables and instrumentation.
Explore →Not sure which SDC configuration is right for your research?
Contact us to discuss your application, experimental conditions, and configuration requirements. We support system selection and customization based on your individual requirements and future upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Sensolytics SDC platform includes a high-resolution XYZ positioning system synchronized with the control software, enabling fully automated grid or line scans. By executing localized electrochemical measurements at the user-defined coordinates, it generates precise spatial maps of the surface activity without manual intervention. To ensure data integrity, the protocol includes an automated probe cleaning step between every measurement to minimize cross-contamination.
Designed for integration with Metrohm Autolab potentiostats, the Sensolytics SDC system supports a vast library of electrochemical techniques. The platform enables both standard and user-defined measurement routines at each spatial grid point. Supported techniques include cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, potential steps, open circuit potential (OCP) detection, and polarization curves.
Yes. The Sensolytics Base SDC platform is built on a modular architecture designed to adapt to your research needs. Users can expand the capabilities of the base platform by adding the Option Photoelectrochemistry ↗ for light-driven studies, or the Option Video ↗ for real-time sample alignment. Additionally, the platform is fully compatible with Sensolytics Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) modules, providing a versatile, multi-technique workstation for localized electrochemistry.
Beyond standard upgrades, Sensolytics offers custom modules tailored to your unique experimental requirements. Contact us to discuss a customized solution for your laboratory.
Yes. The platform can be configured for advanced photoelectrochemical applications. The Sensolytics SDC can be equipped with a light fiber directly into the probe head, enabling precise, localized illumination across the UV–Vis spectral range (Option Photoelectrochemistry ↗).
When choosing the complete Sensolytics Photoelectrochemistry Set ↗, the illumination is fully controlled via the system software, allowing users to modulate light intensity, timing, and patterns, including chopped illumination for transient measurements.
