Multipurpose in situ cell design for 3D X-ray imaging of electrochemical processes

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile, modular in situ cell for 3D X-ray imaging that enables real-time monitoring of electrochemical material degradation in extreme environments, compatible with advanced synchrotron techniques.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel, adaptable cell design that decouples reference and working electrodes, improving measurement accuracy and compatibility with multiple X-ray imaging methods.

Findings

Supports real-time corrosion measurements

Enables hydrogen embrittlement studies

Compatible with multiple synchrotron beamlines

Abstract

We present the design of a modular multipurpose cell for monitoring the degradation of materials in extreme environments. This cell decouples the reference electrode from the working and counter electrodes, permitting precise electrochemical control and measurement reliability. The design is compatible with 4th generation synchrotron light sources, and its emphasis on modularity facilitates adaptation to different beamlines, where there may be variations in sample stage requirements and X-ray imaging techniques. Experimental tests with the novel design demonstrate its support of real-time corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement measurements under both Bragg Coherent Diffraction Imaging (BCDI) and Dark Field X-ray Microscopy (DFXM) configurations.