IM7c

Compact precision electrochemistry for AC and DC measurements

The IM7c is a compact, laboratory-grade potentiostat / galvanostat with an integrated frequency response analyser (FRA), delivering full electrochemical capability in a space-efficient form factor. In potentiostatic mode, the instrument controls the potential of the working electrode relative to a reference electrode while recording the current flowing through the counter electrode. In galvanostatic mode, it applies a defined current and measures the resulting voltage response. This dual-mode capability makes the IM7c equally suited to both time-domain techniques and frequency-domain experiments such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Key capabilities:

• EIS frequency range: 10 µHz to 5 MHz — covering slow diffusion phenomena through to high-frequency interface dynamics
• Current capability: up to ±2 A for low-impedance cells and high-current applications
• Compliance voltage: ±14 V with software-selectable low-noise mode for noise-sensitive environments
• Measurement resolution: 32-bit DC and 24-bit AC (HDP technology) across 12 current ranges for exceptional accuracy
• Input impedance: >10 TΩ ‖ 5 pF for reliable measurements on resistive and passivated samples
• Minimum measurable current: ±125 fA, enabling ultra-sensitive work on thin films, microelectrodes, and passive layers
• Switchable floating / grounded modes to suit corrosion cells, grounded test stands, and noise-critical environments

Compatibility and integration:

The IM7c supports standard 2-, 3-, and 4-terminal (Kelvin) cell configurations, connecting directly to electrochemical cells, battery test fixtures, corrosion cells, and small-volume lab setups. It operates via the intuitive Zahner Lab software or through the zahner_link API, which communicates using WebSocket connections and structured JSON objects. A C++ core with Python bindings means the IM7c integrates cleanly into existing Python-based automation frameworks — suitable for multi-step experiments, long-duration durability tests, and high-throughput screening routines.

Typical applications:

• Battery research: charge-transfer kinetics, SEI characterisation, equivalent circuit modelling, impedance vs SOC/SOH
• Corrosion and coatings: polarisation methods, inhibitor screening, coating barrier evaluation (EIS)
• Electrocatalysis and sensors: reaction mechanism studies, stability assessment, impedance-based diagnostics
• Fuel cells and electrolysers (R&D scale): dynamic impedance measurement on single cells and small assemblies
• Photoelectrochemistry: IMPS, IMVS, and CLV measurements when coupled with CIMPS accessories

Why ScienceGears:

ScienceGears supports Australian and New Zealand researchers with instrument selection advice, application-focused onboarding, and integration with related product categories — including electrochemical cells, spectroelectrochemistry setups (e.g., Raman-SEC workflows), and energy test stations — so the IM7c is deployed correctly for publishable, reproducible results.