EWIN-TECH AION 1000 In Situ Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometer

Overview

The EWIN-TECH AION 1000 In Situ Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometer (DEMS) is an integrated analytical platform engineered for real-time, quantitative detection of volatile and semi-volatile species generated at electrode interfaces during electrochemical processes. Leveraging differential pumping architecture and a high-transmission quadrupole mass analyzer, the system enables selective, time-resolved monitoring of gaseous reaction products—including H₂, O₂, CO, CO₂, CH₄, C₂H₄, NH₃, and deuterated or ¹³C-labeled analogs—with sub-second temporal resolution. Its core design adheres to the principles of membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS), where electrochemically active gases permeate through a hydrophobic PTFE or silicone membrane into the vacuum manifold, minimizing electrolyte contamination and preserving signal fidelity. The AION 1000 is specifically optimized for operando studies in fundamental electrocatalysis, next-generation battery interface chemistry, and photoelectrochemical water splitting—providing direct molecular-level insight into Faradaic efficiency, reaction pathways, and intermediate stability under controlled potential or current conditions.

Key Features

• Millisecond-scale temporal resolution enabled by fast-scanning quadrupole mass spectrometer and low-volume membrane interface
• Differential pumping system with dual-stage turbomolecular vacuum pumps, maintaining ≤1×10⁻⁶ mbar operating pressure in the analyzer region
• Modular electrochemical cell integration: compatible with standard three-electrode configurations and synchronized potentiostat triggering (via TTL/USB)
• Multi-modal synchronization support: hardware-triggered acquisition with commercial electrochemical workstations (e.g., BioLogic, Metrohm Autolab, Gamry) and FTIR spectrometers
• Open API architecture (Python/C++ SDK) for custom experiment automation, multi-channel gas inlet control, and real-time data streaming
• Configurable ion source geometry and electron energy (10–70 eV) for optimized ionization efficiency across target analytes

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AION 1000 supports aqueous, non-aqueous, and ionic liquid electrolytes across pH 0–14 and temperature ranges from 5 °C to 60 °C. It accommodates multiple cell formats—including thin-layer, flow-through, microprobe, and coin-cell–compatible sealed reactors—enabling studies of heterogeneous catalysis, solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) evolution, and gas-diffusion electrode behavior. All vacuum and gas-handling components comply with ISO 8573-1 Class 2 purity standards for compressed air and inert carrier gases. Data acquisition meets ALCOA+ principles for integrity; audit trails, user access controls, and electronic signatures are configurable to align with GLP and GMP environments. While not pre-certified for FDA 21 CFR Part 11, the system’s software architecture supports validation documentation packages required for regulated R&D labs.

Software & Data Management

The native AION Control Suite provides dual-language (English/Chinese) GUI with real-time mass chromatogram visualization, peak deconvolution, and background subtraction algorithms. Raw data is saved in HDF5 format with embedded metadata (timestamp, applied potential, current, cell configuration, calibration parameters). Batch processing modules enable isotopic ratio quantification (e.g., ¹²CO/¹³CO), Faradaic yield calculation per scan, and kinetic modeling via integrated Python scripting console. Export options include CSV, MATLAB .mat, and mzML for downstream analysis in third-party tools such as MZmine or Skyline. All software updates are delivered via secure HTTPS repository with SHA-256 signature verification.

Applications

• Electrocatalytic reaction mechanism elucidation: HER, OER, ORR, CO₂RR, NRR, and Cl₂ evolution
• Operando SEI and CEI formation analysis in Li-ion, Na-ion, and Li–S batteries
• Photoelectrochemical charge-transfer kinetics at semiconductor–liquid junctions
• Corrosion product evolution under anodic polarization in chloride-containing media
• Electrochemical synthesis pathway validation (e.g., electrosynthetic C–C coupling, nitrate reduction)
• Fundamental studies of proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) using deuterium exchange protocols

FAQ

What mass range does the AION 1000 cover?
The quadrupole mass analyzer operates from m/z 1 to 100, with optional extension to m/z 200 upon request.
Is the system compatible with corrosive electrolytes such as HF-based or molten salt systems?
Standard configuration supports aqueous and common organic electrolytes; HF-compatible variants require custom membrane and inlet materials—contact engineering support for feasibility assessment.
Can the AION 1000 be used for quantitative analysis?
Yes—calibration with certified gas standards (NIST-traceable) enables absolute quantification; sensitivity varies by compound (e.g., ~10⁻¹² mol/s for H₂ at optimal settings).
Does it support simultaneous detection of multiple isotopologues?
Yes—high mass resolution mode (unit mass resolution) allows baseline separation of ¹²CO/¹³CO, ¹⁴NH₃/¹⁵NH₃, and D₂/HD/H₂.
What level of technical support is provided post-installation?
EWIN-TECH offers on-site commissioning, application-specific training, and remote diagnostics; extended service contracts include annual performance verification and detector refurbishment.