The maximum voltage output of many potentiostats (compliance voltage) often exceeds the maximum controlled-potential range of the instrument. For example, the Autolab PGSTAT302N can output ± 30 V but the potential range for measurements is only ± 10 V.
When studying the electrochemical characteristics of energy storage devices (batteries, supercapacitors & fuel cells) with rated voltages over 10 V, it is necessary to increase the voltage output of the potentiostat correspondingly. A convenient accessory for this purpose is the Autolab Voltage Multiplier.
The Voltage Multiplier is connected to an energy storage device using the S- cell (Sense) and RE- cell (Reference Electrode) terminals, as shown in the figure above.
Sense, reference electrode and earth leads from the potentiostat are connected to the respective ‘Pgstat’ terminals of the Voltage Multiplier. Working electrode, WE, and counter electrode, CE, leads are directly connected to the energy storage device, according to the usual two-electrode configuration.
The potentiostat actually measures potentials that have been divided by a factor of 10, so displayed and graphed values should be corrected appropriately. This correction can be applied automatically by the Autolab NOVA operating software.
