Date of Award

6-6-2014

Document Type

Thesis - SCU Access Only

Publisher

Santa Clara: Santa Clara University, 2014.

Department

Electrical Engineering

First Advisor

Radhika Grover

Second Advisor

Shoba Krishnan

Abstract

Potentiostats are electrical hardware systems that enable bioelectrochemical system research. They control and measure voltage difference between the reference and working electrodes, and measure current flow between the counter and working electrodes. At NASA Ames Research Center, large multi-functional commercial units are currently being employed to measure and control a three-electrode cell setup on a microbial fuel cell for bioelectrochemical research. The expense, size, and portability of most potentiostats on the market limit the range of research that can be accomplished outside of a lab. By utilizing a low power, inexpensive, and wireless potentiostat, researchers will be able to facilitate and perform numerous electrochemical-based tests, such as environmental monitoring and research. This eliminates the need for external wiring and associated ports, reduces volume and clutter, and lessons environmental damage with connectivity. This technology is designed to improve the use of potentiostats in laboratories and for in situ studies in the field.

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