Thin-film electrochemical sensor electrode for rapid evaluation of electrolytic conductivity, cyclic voltammetry, and temperature measurements

A thin-film electrochemical sensor electrode capable of electrolytic conductivity, cyclic voltammetry, and temperature measurements of electrolyte solutions has been fabricated and characterized. The electrode fabrication and calibration is detailed, showing accuracies of 6 % for electrolytic conductivity measurements over the range of 0.1-100 mS center dot cm and temperature measurement within 2 C from 60 to 95 C. The electrode's capabilities are verified with standard Li-ion battery and electrochemical double-layer capacitor electrolytes, to which the measured data match well with literature values. Lastly, demonstration of the electrode's capabilities is shown with determination of cyclic voltammetry curves and electrolytic conductivity over a range of temperatures for other electrolyte solutions. Integration of these three measurement tools into a single, low-cost, high accuracy, rapid measurement electrode can greatly simplify quantitative characterization of novel electrolytes developed in the electrochemical energy storage field.