The multi-channel potentiostat: Development and Evaluation of a Scalable Mini-Potentiostat array for investigating electrochemical reaction mechanisms

TL;DR

This paper presents a scalable, low-cost multi-channel potentiostat system supporting 8 to 64 channels, capable of replacing expensive commercial devices for electrochemical research, with applications demonstrated in bioelectronic ion pump control.

Contribution

The authors developed a modular, portable, and cost-effective multi-channel potentiostat system supporting up to 64 channels, with independent voltage sources and remote control capabilities, advancing electrochemical device analysis.

Findings

Supports 8 to 64 channels at $8 per channel

Successfully controls a 24-channel bioelectronic ion pump

Comparable performance to commercial potentiostats

Abstract

A potentiostat is an essential piece of analytical equipment for studying electrochemical devices and reactions. As the design of electrochemical devices evolve applications for systems with multiple working electrodes have become more common. These applications drive a need for low-cost multi-channel potentiostat systems. We have developed a portable low-cost scalable system with a modular design that can support 8 to 64 channels at a cost as low as \$8 per channel. This design can replace the functionality of commercial potentiostats which cost upwards of \$10k for certain applications. Each channel in the multi-channel potentiostat has an independent adjustable voltage source with a built-in ammeter and switch, making the device flexible for various configurations. The multi-channel potentiostat is designed for low current applications (nA range), but its purpose can change by varying its shunt resistor value. The system can either function as a standalone device or remotely controlled. We demonstrate the functionality of this system for the control of a 24-channel bioelectronic ion pump for open- and closed- loop control of pH.