Swagelok Three-Electrode Battery Test Cell

Overview

The Swagelok Three-Electrode Battery Test Cell is a compact, research-grade platform designed to decouple anode and cathode behaviour during battery experiments through the inclusion of a dedicated reference electrode. In three-electrode mode, the reference electrode measures potential close to the working electrode, enabling more accurate half-cell analysis than a two-electrode configuration.

Principle of operation

This Swagelok-style architecture compresses the electrode stack within a robust, leak-resistant body. By integrating a reference electrode, researchers can track individual electrode potentials during cycling, diagnose rate limitations, and identify degradation pathways that are otherwise masked in conventional full-cell voltage measurements. This approach is widely recognised as a powerful route to faster, more targeted battery materials development.

Key features and specifications

• Cell material: PEEK (chemically resistant, lightweight, and suitable for many battery electrolytes).
• Electrode core diameter: 6 mm.
• Inner diameter of cell: 10 mm.
• Maximum volume: < 1 mL for electrolyte-efficient testing.
• Reference electrode options (choose one):

                - Ag/AgCl
                - Non-aqueous Ag/Ag+
                - Stainless rod

• Adjustable anode–cathode spacing to minimise distance and tune interfacial conditions.

Compatibility and typical use

This cell is well suited to screening lithium-ion and emerging battery chemistries where limited active material or electrolyte is available. It pairs naturally with:

• Potentiostats/galvanostats for advanced electrochemical methods.
• Battery cyclers for long-term charge–discharge studies.
• Complementary in-situ platforms such as Raman-SEC cells or battery imaging/XRD cells for multi-modal diagnostics.
  
  

Why choose ScienceGears

ScienceGears supports researchers with high-quality battery test hardware, practical configuration guidance (including reference electrode selection), and seamless integration with leading electrochemical workstations and cyclers. If you are building a robust three-electrode workflow for publishable, electrode-resolved insights, this Swagelok cell is a compact, cost-effective starting point with strong experimental flexibility.