In the evolving landscape of material science, energy research, and solid-state electrochemistry, the ability to characterize materials at high temperatures under controlled environments is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. From fuel cell research to advanced sensor development, understanding material behavior at elevated temperatures is critical for innovation. This is where the ProboStat™ sample holder system proves to be a game-changing tool.
⚙️ What Is ProboStat™?
ProboStat™ is a modular, high-temperature sample holder system designed for precise electrochemical, conductivity, and impedance measurements in controlled gas atmospheres. Built for temperatures up to 1600 °C, it supports 2-, 3-, and 4-electrode configurations and accommodates various sample geometries—discs, bars, tubes, and even liquids.
Engineered with flexibility and durability in mind, ProboStat™ seamlessly integrates with leading impedance analyzers and potentiostats, making it a cornerstone of high-temperature experimental setups in both academic and industrial research.
🧪 Why High-Temperature Testing Matters
Many materials exhibit unique electrical, ionic, or dielectric properties only when subjected to extreme thermal conditions. For example:
- Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) require materials that maintain ionic conductivity above 800 °C.
- Gas sensors must perform accurately in harsh operating environments.
- Ceramic electrolytes and mixed conductors reveal critical transport phenomena only at elevated temperatures.
Studying these behaviors under real-world conditions allows researchers to develop more robust, reliable, and efficient devices.
🔍 Key Features of ProboStat™
1. Wide Temperature Range
ProboStat™ supports continuous operation up to 1600 °C, with fine thermal control and compatibility with programmable PID temperature controllers like Novotherm-HT.
2. Multiple Electrode Configurations
Whether you’re performing basic resistance measurements or complex impedance spectroscopy, ProboStat™ accommodates:
- 2-electrode (for total resistance)
- 3-electrode (for electrochemical studies with a reference electrode)
- 4-electrode (for separating contact resistance and bulk response)
3. Controlled Atmosphere Operation
Equipped with gas inlet/outlet ports, ProboStat™ allows for custom gas mixing, oxygen partial pressure control, and even humidified environments when integrated with systems like 2Mix and 2Wet.
4. Sample Geometry Versatility
The system supports a range of geometries including:
- Flat pellet samples
- Tubular geometries (e.g., for oxygen permeation)
- Bar-shaped samples for anisotropic measurements
5. Seamless Integration
ProboStat™ works flawlessly with:
- Alpha-A Dielectric Analyzer – for broadband impedance and permittivity measurements
- NEISYS Electrochemical System – for EIS and DC characterization
- WinDETA software – for data acquisition, visualization, and analysis
🔬 Real-World Applications
- Solid-State Electrolyte Analysis: Understand ionic transport behavior in ceramics and glassy electrolytes.
- Fuel Cell Development: Characterize electrolyte/electrode interfaces under realistic operating temperatures.
- Sensor Testing: Evaluate gas-sensitive materials for changes in resistance or capacitance under thermal cycling.
- Electrode Degradation Studies: Monitor long-term stability and failure modes under extreme thermal and atmospheric conditions.
🧠 Scientific Principles at Work
High-temperature electrochemical measurement requires precise handling of:
- Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS): To separate grain boundary, bulk, and electrode contributions in a complex system.
- Arrhenius Behavior: Temperature-dependent conductivity for activation energy calculations.
- Non-Ohmic Behavior: Studying field-dependent conduction mechanisms such as space-charge-limited current or ion blocking.
ProboStat™, when combined with accurate instrumentation and software, provides the data fidelity necessary to decode these complex phenomena.
🔗 Workflow Integration
A well-structured lab workflow using ProboStat™ may include:
- Sample Mounting & Electrode Application
- Gas Setup via 2Mix / 2Wet for atmosphere control
- Thermal Ramping via Novotherm-HT
- Measurement using Alpha-A or NEISYS
- Data Analysis via WinDETA or ZView
This modular setup ensures repeatability, automation, and long-duration testing with minimal supervision—making it ideal for high-throughput labs and precise experimental protocols.
✅ Conclusion
High-temperature electrochemical measurement is an essential capability for today’s material science and energy research sectors. ProboStat™ brings together flexibility, precision, and robustness in one versatile system. Whether you’re developing next-gen fuel cells or studying complex oxide materials, ProboStat™ provides the stability and configurability your research demands.
💡 Ready to elevate your high-temperature measurement capabilities?
Let us help you choose the best configuration of ProboStat™ and supporting systems tailored to your research needs. Reach out to our team of technical experts for a free consultation or demo.