Capturing a Full Spectroelectrochemistry Experiment in a Single Measurement

Spectroelectrochemistry combines optical spectroscopy with electrochemical techniques to investigate how materials respond to changes in electrical potential. By monitoring changes in light absorption during electrochemical reactions, researchers can gain valuable insights into material behavior and charge-carrier dynamics.

However, conventional spectroelectrochemistry measurements can be time-consuming, often requiring multiple voltage steps and individual spectral measurements to capture the full response of a material.

An Automated Approach to Spectroelectrochemistry

Researchers at Auburn University developed an automated measurement approach combining normal pulse voltammetry with two Avantes spectrometers.

Using the AvaSpec-ULS2048XL-EVO (now succeeded by the AvaSpec-ULS2048XL+) and the AvaSpec-NIR256-2.5-HSC, the researchers achieved spectral coverage from 400 to 2500 nm.

This setup enabled the acquisition of broadband absorption spectra and time-resolved measurements within a single experimental run, reducing the need for repeated manual measurements.

Revealing New Insights into Material Behavior

The researchers applied this approach to a P3HT conducting polymer film, investigating its optical response during electrochemical charging and discharging.

By combining spectral and time-resolved data, the experiment provided insights into the material’s electrochemical behavior, including the identification of bipolaron-related spectral features that can be difficult to distinguish using conventional measurement methods.

The study demonstrates how automated spectroelectrochemistry can support more comprehensive material characterization and help researchers investigate complex electrochemical processes.

Explore the Full Case Study

Discover how Avantes spectroscopy technology supported this research and learn more about the experimental setup, measurement approach, and results.

Inside the case study, you will find:

• An introduction to automated absorbance spectroelectrochemistry and normal pulse voltammetry.
• Details of the experimental setup using two Avantes spectrometers.
• Broadband spectral measurements covering 400 to 2500 nm.
• Time-resolved analysis of electrochemical charging and discharging in a P3HT polymer film.
• Key findings on charge-carrier behavior and bipolaron-related spectral features.

Download the full case study to explore the experimental setup, methodology, and results.

Explore More

Read the Full Paper: “Automating Absorbance Spectroelectrochemistry Using Normal Pulse Voltammetry”, Applied Spectroscopy, 2026.

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