Operating and testing the cell
Time required: Tens of minutes (preparation time), several days (experiment length)
Skills required:
- General chemistry laboratory skills
Step 1: Weigh and add electrolyte to the cell
Using a 5 mL syringe and the scale, add 5 mL of prepared electrolyte to each reservoir, weighing the syringe before and after injection to record the actual mass added to each reservoir.
Step 2: Close the reservoirs
Carefully insert 19/22 silicone septa into the reservoirs and fold them over to seal them.
Step 3: Pre-circulate the electrolyte
Turn the pumps on and circulate the electrolytes for 15 min before applying any current.
Note
This should allow enough time for the separator to become fully wetted with electrolyte and clear out any bubbles trapped in the cell/felts.
Step 4: Connect to the potentiostat and define cycling conditions
Warning
Enclose the battery when cycling - you can put it inside a plastic tub - because leaks due to any problem will spray charged electrolyte, which, even if the volume is low, can be dangerous.