The Electrolab: An open-source, modular platform for automated characterization of redox-active electrolytes

Abstract

Electrochemical characterization of redox-active molecules in solution requires exploration of manifold conditions (e.g., concentration, electrolyte type, pH, ionic strength), leading to tedious and time-consuming experiments that are prone to user error. Here, we introduce the Electrolab, a modular, automated electrochemical characterization platform that seamlessly interfaces with common laboratory instrumentation and low-cost electromechanical components. We integrated a gantry-type robot carrying a multipurpose nozzle assembly to dispense and mix solutions as well as degas and clean a cell containing multiplexed microelectrochemical arrays. The system operates using Python code and a universal Arduino-based controller. We demonstrate the Electrolab by autonomously analyzing a redox mediator by performing 200 voltammograms and data analysis steps across a range of conditions. In addition, the Electrolab is used to titrate a redox-active polymer solution to identify conditions for optimizing electrochemical performance. Overall, the Electrolab device enables high-throughput, systematic exploration of redox electrolytes, opening new avenues for closed-loop optimization.