EL-CELL PAT-Cell-Opto-10 User manual

© 2023 EL-Cell GmbH
User Manual
Release 1.3
PAT-Cell-Opto-10
Electrochemical test cell

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Disclaimer
EL-Cell GmbH makes no assurances or warranties with respect to this manual and, to the
extent permitted by law, limits its liability for violation of any implied warranty to the
substitution of this manual for another. In addition, EL-Cell GmbH reserves the right to revise
this publication at any time without notice to anyone.
The information provided in this documentation includes general descriptions and/or
technical characteristics regarding the performance of the equipment described herein. This
documentation cannot serve as a proper evaluation of the suitability or reliability of the
equipment for any specific application by any user and should not be relied upon as a
substitute for such evaluation. It is the responsibility of each such user or installer to conduct
an appropriate and complete risk assessment, evaluation and testing of the equipment with
respect to their specific application. EL-Cell GmbH cannot be held responsible or liable for any
misuse of the information contained herein.
All relevant state, regional and local safety regulations must always be complied with when
installing and using this device. For safety reasons and to ensure compliance with the
documented system data, only the manufacturer is authorized to perform repair s on
components.
Disregarding this information may result in injury or damage to the equipment.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, processed, or transmitted
in any form, including photocopying, recording, or any other electronic or mechanical process,
without the written permission of the publisher. Requests for permission must be made in
writing to the publisher at the address written below.

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Manufacturer and customer service
EL-Cell GmbH
Tempowerkring 8
21079 Hamburg – Germany
Telephone: [phone]
Telefax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: el-cell.com
Technical support
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: el-cell.com/support/technical-support/
Please always quote the serial number on the nameplate when making customer service
inquiries.
Shipping address for repairs
EL-Cell GmbH
Tempowerkring 8
21079 Hamburg - Germany
Please be sure to contact our customer service department before making a return. We will
not open or process shipments without a completed decontamination report or RMA.

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Content
1Preamble........................................................................................................................ 5
1.1 Purpose and target audience...................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Storage instructions...................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Obtaining documents and information .................................................................................... 6
2Product Description ...................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Features ........................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Working principle of the PAT-Cell-Opto-10 (side-by-side setup of electrodes): ........... 8
3Technical data ............................................................................................................... 9
4Intended use .................................................................................................................. 9
5Safety Precautions......................................................................................................... 9
6Assembly...................................................................................................................... 10
6.1 Lid assembly: ................................................................................................................................ 11
6.2 Assembling the cell with a side-by-side sample holder:.................................................... 12
6.3 Assembling the cell with a face-to-face sample holder: .................................................... 15
7Connecting the test cell .............................................................................................. 19
8Disassembly and Cleaning ........................................................................................... 19
9Unpacking.................................................................................................................... 20
10 Components................................................................................................................. 21
10.1 PAT-Cell-Opto-10........................................................................................................................ 21
10.2 Lid unit (OPTO-10) 18 mm ........................................................................................................ 22
11 Warranty ...................................................................................................................... 23

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1Preamble
1.1 Purpose and target audience
This manual covers the structure, function, operation and maintenance of the device
described. It is intended for the end users of the device. An end user can be described as any
person who interacts directly with the device. The term "end user" usually includes laboratory
personnel who have been specifically trained to operate this instrument and are familiar with
all the precautions required to work in the laboratory.
Only an authorized and properly qualified and experienced person 18 years of age or older
may use the device described, who:
•has read and understood these installation and operating instructions
•is familiar with the installation and operation of this or a similar device
•is aware of all possible dangers and acts accordingly
1.2 Storage instructions
Make sure you have read and understood the complete instructions and all safety information
before using this product. Failure to follow these instructions may result in minor or serious
injury.
Follow all instructions. This will prevent accidents that could result in property damage or
injury. Keep all safety information and instructions for future reference and pass them on to
subsequent users of the product.
The manufacturer is not liable for property damage or injuries resulting from incorrect
handling or failure to comply with the safety instructions. In such cases, the warranty becomes
void.

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1.3 Obtaining documents and information
A current version of the documentation is available on the following website:
https://el-cell.com/support/manuals/
Alternatively, you can scan this QR code,
to access the website:

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2Product Description
The PATCell-Opto-10 test cell is designed for operando characterization of electrodes using
optical methods such as light microscopy or Raman spectroscopy in reflection mode.
The test cell utilizes the cableless PAT socket for cell connection. This way, it can be directly
plugged into a PAT battery tester like the PAT-Tester-x-8 or a PAT docking station to connect
it to a third-party battery tester.
2.1 Features
▪2- and 3-electrode cell with optical window for aprotic and aqueous electrochemistry.
▪High cycling stability due to glass-to-metal seals
▪Suited for light microscopy and Raman spectroscopy
▪Cableless cell connection via PAT socket

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2.2 Working principle of the PAT-Cell-Opto-10 (side-by-side
setup of electrodes):
Sapphire glass window
Glass fiber
separator
Electrode 1
Inspection area
(up to 18 mm)
Electrode 1 pin
Electrode 2
Lid sealing foil (PE)
Electrode R pin
Lower piston
Compression spring
Sample holder
Plunger/
Electrode R
Inner sleeve II

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3Technical data
▪Length: 55 mm
▪Width: 55 mm
▪Height: 32.5 mm
▪Weight: 0.3 kg
▪Operational
temperature: -20° to +70°C
▪Electrode R diameter: <=10 mm
▪Dead volume: 1.8 cm³
4Intended use
The PAT-Cell-Opto-10 test cell is an electrochemical measuring instrument designed for use in
a laboratory environment. It may only be used by trained personnel and only as described in
this manual.
5Safety Precautions
Use proper safety precautions when using hazardous electrode materials and electrolytes.
Wear protective glasses and gloves to protect you against electrolytes that may accidentally
spill out during filling and disassembly. Upon cell disassembly, dispose of all materials
properly. Metallic lithium and some insertion compounds may decompose heavily in contact
with water and other solvents and can cause a fire.

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6Assembly
Please note: All assembly steps are to be carried out in an inert glove box atmosphere. All
components used are to be dried upfront in a vacuum oven at 80°C (120°C for parts made of
PPS) for at least 12 hours.
Once fully assembled, the cell is hermetically sealed so that it may be operated in an ambient
atmosphere.
The test cell can be used in several different configurations, which mainly differ in the type
and size of the working electrode used, the charging geometry (the position of the working
and counter electrode relative to each other), and the connection to the potentiostat (2- or 3-
electrode connection). In the following, the cell assembly is described in several parts.
6.1. Lid assembly
6.2. Instructions for assembling the cell for the side-by-side arrangement of electrodes.
6.3. Instructions for assembling the cell for the face-to-face arrangement of electrodes.
These instructions can also be viewed as videos on our website el-cell.com.

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6.1 Lid assembly:
1. Turn the lid upside down.
Insert the foil sealing into the
lid.
2. Insert the window.
3. Insert the window thrust ring.
4. Attach the window flange and screw
in the screws using the torque
screwdriver 0.2 Nm.

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6.2 Assembling the cell with a side-by-side sample holder:
1. Assemble the lid as described
above. Then insert the lower piston
into the inner sleeve.
2. Use the loading tweezers to push
the piston into the sleeve.
3. Put the electrode R, lithium metal in
this case, on top of the piston.
4. Put the separator on top. The
separator must not be more than 10
mm in diameter. A smaller separator
may be useful to prevent the sample
holder from coming into contact with
the electrolyte.
Use the loading tweezers again to
press the cell stack further into the
piston.

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5. Attach the electrode strips to the
sample holder.
6. Attach the sample holder to the
piston assembly.
7. Insert the assembly into the cell
base.
8. Drop the electrolyte onto the
separator/electrodes. Use only the
amount of electrolyte necessary to
impregnate the porous material. Avoid
excess electrolytes. Typically, less than
50 μl of electrolyte is suitable.
Note that electrolyte will be squeezed
out of the separator when the cell lid
is attached.

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9. Insert the second foil seal.
10. Ensure the electrode strips are
correctly aligned before attaching the
lid. Then put on the cell lid. Make sure
that the flat side of the cell base and
the straight line on the lid are parallel.
11. Double-check the proper
alignment of the electrode strips.
Then press down the lid and tighten
the three screws firmly with the 2.5
mm hexagon screwdriver.
12. The PAT-Cell-Opto-10 is now
ready for testing.

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6.3 Assembling the cell with a face-to-face sample holder:
1. Follow the lid assembly steps. Then
insert the lower piston into the inner
sleeve.
2. Use the loading tweezers to push
the piston into the sleeve.
3. Place the assembly into the cell
base.
4. Put the self-standing electrode on
top.

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5. Put the separator on top. The
separator must not be more than 10
mm in diameter. A smaller separator
may be useful to prevent the sample
holder from coming into contact with
the electrolyte.
6. Use the loading tweezer again to
push the cell stack further down.
7. Drop the electrolyte onto the
separator. Use only the amount of
electrolyte necessary to impregnate
the porous material. Avoid excess
electrolytes. Typically, less than 50 μl
of electrolyte is suitable.
Note that electrolyte will be squeezed
out of the separator when the cell lid
is attached.
8. Put the self-standing electrode on
top.

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9. Push down the electrode stack using
the loading tweezer.
10. Insert the contact ring.
11. Put the holed current collector on
top. Choose the hole size depending
on the magnification used by the
microscope.
12. Insert the second foil seal.

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13. Put on the cell lid. Make sure that
the flat side of the cell base and the
straight line on the lid are parallel.
14. Finally, screw the cover on with the
2.5 mm hexagon screwdriver.
15. The PAT-Cell-Opto-10 is now ready
for testing.

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7Connecting the test cell
The PAT-Cell-Opto-10 is connected via the cableless PAT socket. It can be directly plugged
into any EL-Cell PAT-Tester or PAT docking station.
8Disassembly and Cleaning
When working with aprotic, moisture-sensitive electrolytes such as LiPF6, it is best to always
leave the cell base and cell lid in the glove box. Cell components should only be exposed to
room air for cleaning or disposal.
Right after use, disassemble the cell in the reverse order of assembly. All chemicals used have
to be disposed of properly. All wetted parts must be cleaned with water and/or other
appropriate solvents. All parts are to be dried immediately after cleaning at 80°C. All cell parts
made of PPS are to be dried immediately after cleaning overnight at 120°C.
If the cell base is contaminated with electrolyte, clean it in the glove box with a cloth and a
battery-compatible solvent such as DMC.
Never immerse the cell base in liquid. In particular, avoid contact of the electronic
components on the bottom of the cell base with liquid.
Please note:
•Protect yourself against chemical hazards. Electrolytes may spill out during cleaning.
Electrode materials and electrolytes may react with ambient atmosphere or solvents
used for cleaning. Wear appropriate protective equipment, goggles, and gloves.
•Clean all cell parts right after disassembly.Leaving cell parts in contact with the ambient
atmosphere while still being wetted with electrolyte may result in severe corrosion.

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9Unpacking
Check the contents of the packages against the list given below to verify that you have
received all of the components. Contact the factory if anything is missing or damaged.
NOTE: Damaged shipments must remain with the original packaging for freight company
inspection.
List of Components:
PAT-Cell-Opto-10 test cell with flat socket, fully equipped for use in both 2-electrode
and 3-electrode (reference) configuration
Windows seal (10 pcs.) ECC1-05-0016-B/X
Separator 10.0 mm x 0.26 mm, GF/A (10 pcs.) ECC1-01-0012-R/X
PE Sealing foil (10 pcs.) ECC1-05-0032-A/X
Loading tweezer ECC1-09-2010-B
Torque screwdriver, 0.2 Nm, cross handle WZG9021
Inbus bit 1.5 mm x ¼ inch WZG9046
Hexagon screwdriver 2.5 mm, cross handle WZG9047
Sample holder (side-by-side) ECC1-05-0040-B
Contact ring (face-to-face) ECC1-05-0039-C
Contact disc (50 fold) ECC1-05-0042-C
Contact disc (100 fold) ECC1-05-0042-A
Contact disc (200 fold) ECC1-05-0042-B