Electrochemical testing device

Abstract

An electrochemical testing device for a specimen includes a receiving member, an auxiliary electrode, a work module, a clamping module, and a reference electrode. The receiving member receives an electrolytic solution and includes a surrounding wall having a bottom open end. The auxiliary electrode is mounted in the receiving member. The work module holds the specimen and includes at least one upper plate covering the open end to close the receiving member and having an opening connected fluidly to an interior of the receiving member, a lower plate, a work electrode plate interposed between and contacting the upper and lower plates, and a test specimen holding site provided at the work electrode plate and connected fluidly to the opening. The clamping module clamps the work module against the surrounding wall. The reference electrode is disposed in the receiving member above the work electrode plate.

1 . An electrochemical testing device for a specimen, comprising: 
 a receiving member adapted for receiving an electrolytic solution and including a surrounding wall that has a bottom open end;    an auxiliary electrode mounted in said receiving member;    a work module adapted to hold the specimen and including at least one upper plate covering said open end of said surrounding wall to close said receiving member and having an opening connected fluidly to an interior of said receiving member, a lower plate, a work electrode plate interposed between and contacting said upper and lower plates, and a test specimen holding site provided at said work electrode plate and connected fluidly to said opening;    a clamping module for clamping said work module against said surrounding wall; and    a reference electrode disposed in said receiving member above said work electrode plate.    
   
   
       2 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said work electrode plate has opposite first and second surfaces, said clamping module being detachable from said work module to change the position of said work electrode plate so that said first and second surfaces of said work electrode plate can contact said upper plate interchangeably.  
   
   
       3 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said work electrode plate further has a fluid passage between said first and second surfaces, a fluid inlet connected to said fluid passage, and a through slot extending through said first surface and connected fluidly to said fluid passage and said opening.  
   
   
       4 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said test specimen holding site is a specimen receiving recess formed in said first surface and aligned with said through slot and said opening when said first surface contacts said upper plate.  
   
   
       5 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said test specimen holding site is an area of said second surface beneath said opening when said second surface contacts said upper plate.  
   
   
       6 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said clamping module includes a plurality of bolts penetrating through said work module, and a plurality of clamping screws attached respectively to said bolts.  
   
   
       7 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 6 , further comprising a cover plate disposed on top of said surrounding wall and clamped by said clamping module, said bolts further penetrating said cover plate.  
   
   
       8 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said cover plate has a through hole, said auxiliary electrode having an end portion extending outward through said through hole.  
   
   
       9 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said cover plate has a passage for passing inert gas into said receiving member.  
   
   
       10 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said cover plate has an aperture for extension of said reference electrode therethrough.  
   
   
       11 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said receiving member includes a discharge hole disposed in said surrounding wall, and a plug removably closing said discharge hole.  
   
   
       12 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said auxiliary electrode is made of a platinum-plated titanium web.  
   
   
       13 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said work module further includes an osmotic block spanning said opening of said upper plate and aligned with said through slot of said work electrode plate when said first surface contacts said upper plate.  
   
   
       14 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein said osmotic block is made of porous glass.  
   
   
       15 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said work electrode plate is made of a highly dense graphite.  
   
   
       16 . The electrochemical testing device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said work module further includes a sealing ring mounted between said upper plate and said work electrode plate and surrounding said test specimen holding site.  
   
   
       17 . An electrochemical testing device for a specimen, comprising: 
 a receiving member adapted for receiving an electrolytic solution and including a surrounding wall that has a bottom open end;    an auxiliary electrode mounted in said receiving member;    a work module adapted to hold the specimen and including at least one upper plate covering said open end of said surrounding wall to close said receiving member and having an opening connected fluidly to an interior of said receiving member, a lower plate, a work electrode plate interposed between and contacting said upper and lower plates, and a test specimen holding site provided at said work electrode plate and connected fluidly to said opening; and    a reference electrode disposed in said receiving member above said work electrode plate,    wherein said work electrode plate further has a fluid passage between said first and second surfaces, a fluid inlet connected to said fluid passage, and a through slot extending through said first surface and connected fluidly to said fluid passage and said opening.