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Published on: February 23, 2013
CheapStat: an open-source, "do-it-yourself" potentiostat for analytical and educational applications.
Aaron A Rowe1, Andrew J Bonham, Ryan J White
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America.
Plos One
|September 21, 2011
Summary
We developed the CheapStat, an affordable, open-source potentiostat for electrochemical research and education. This low-cost device enables advanced analytical techniques in resource-limited settings, expanding access to electrochemistry.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Open-Source Hardware
Background:
- Potentiostats are crucial for electrochemical research but are often too expensive for educational settings and developing regions.
- High cost limits the accessibility of electrochemical analytical techniques for various monitoring applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an inexpensive, open-source, and portable potentiostat suitable for both educational purposes and resource-limited environments.
- To broaden the application of electrochemistry in areas such as food, drug, and environmental monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Designed and constructed the CheapStat, a hand-held potentiostat costing less than $80.
- The device is open-source, with hardware and software schematics, parts lists, and assembly instructions provided.
- The CheapStat supports essential electrochemical techniques including cyclic, square wave, linear sweep, and anodic stripping voltammetry.
Main Results:
- The CheapStat successfully functions as a versatile electrochemical workstation.
- Demonstrated suitability for diverse applications: food and drug quality testing, environmental monitoring, and rapid DNA detection.
- The open-source nature facilitates widespread adoption and customization.
Conclusions:
- The CheapStat offers a cost-effective solution to increase the accessibility of electrochemical instrumentation.
- This open-source potentiostat empowers educational laboratories and analytical applications in underserved regions.
- The project promotes the democratization of electrochemical science and technology.
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