HPR-40 DEMS Integration with Metrohm Autolab VIONIC for Real-Time Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry

Electrochemical research often requires more than current, potential and time data alone. While a potentiostat provides essential control and measurement of the electrochemical experiment, it does not directly identify the gases or volatile species being produced during a reaction.

Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry, DEMS, adds this chemical insight by enabling real-time, mass-resolved analysis of reaction products as they form. For researchers working in electrocatalysis, CO₂ reduction, hydrogen evolution, fuel cells, corrosion or battery materials, this makes it possible to connect electrochemical behavior with direct evidence of product formation.

A recent demonstration shows the Hiden Analytical HPR-40 DEMS system integrated with a Metrohm Autolab VIONIC potentiostat/galvanostat, using Hiden QGAsoft software for real-time electrochemical mass spectrometry data visualization and analysis.

Real-Time DEMS for Electrochemical Gas Analysis

The HPR-40 DEMS is designed for in situ analysis of gases and volatile species generated during electrochemical reactions. By sampling close to the electrochemical interface, DEMS allows researchers to monitor reaction products while the experiment is in progress.

This is particularly valuable for studies where gas evolution, product selectivity or side reactions are central to understanding performance. A change in current may indicate that an electrochemical process is taking place, but DEMS can help identify what is being produced and when that product formation occurs.

For example, researchers can monitor hydrogen generation during electrolysis, follow gaseous products from CO₂ reduction, investigate oxygen-related electrochemical processes or detect volatile species associated with battery material degradation.

Connecting HPR-40 DEMS with Potentiostat Control

In the demonstrated setup, the Metrohm Autolab VIONIC provides electrochemical control, applying the required potential or current program to the cell. The HPR-40 DEMS simultaneously monitors selected mass signals, enabling gas and vapor species to be related directly to the electrochemical response.

This combined measurement approach helps researchers understand how product formation changes with applied potential, current density, catalyst material, electrolyte composition or cell design. It can also support more confident interpretation of reaction pathways, onset behavior, competing reactions and catalyst stability.

The video demonstrates integration with the Metrohm Autolab VIONIC, but Hiden Analytical DEMS systems can also be configured for use with other suitable potentiostats and electrochemical setups.

QGAsoft for Live Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry Data

Hiden QGAsoft software supports real-time analysis and visualization of gas and vapor species measured by the HPR-40 DEMS. In electrochemical mass spectrometry experiments, QGAsoft can display mass spectrometer signals alongside electrochemical parameters such as current, potential and time.

This makes it easier to compare electrochemical events with gas evolution or product formation. For example, the onset of a selected mass signal can be viewed in relation to an applied potential, helping researchers confirm when a gaseous product is formed. Changes in signal intensity can also provide insight into reaction rate, catalyst performance or system stability.

By bringing electrochemical and mass spectrometry data together in real time, QGAsoft helps reduce the need to manually align separate datasets after the experiment. This is useful for catalyst comparisons, kinetic studies, method development and repeated electrochemical measurements.

Applications in CO₂ Reduction, Hydrogen Evolution and Battery Research

HPR-40 DEMS integration is relevant across a wide range of electrochemical research areas, including:

• CO₂ reduction and product formation studies
• Hydrogen evolution and electrolysis research
• Fuel cell diagnostics and catalyst evaluation
• Oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution studies
• Corrosion and materials behavior
• Lithium-ion battery and cathode research
• General electrochemical reaction mechanism studies

Across these applications, the main value of DEMS is its ability to add chemical specificity to electrochemical measurements. Instead of relying only on current and potential data, researchers can directly monitor the species produced during the reaction.

Why Combine a Potentiostat with DEMS?

Integrating potentiostat control with real-time DEMS analysis gives researchers a more complete view of electrochemical reactions. The potentiostat defines and measures the electrochemical conditions, while the HPR-40 DEMS identifies gases and volatile species as they are generated. QGAsoft then supports live visualization and analysis of the combined data.

For laboratories working in energy conversion, electrocatalysis, fuel cells, electrolysis, CO₂ reduction, corrosion or battery development, this can support deeper understanding of reaction mechanisms, product selectivity and system performance.

Video Credit: Hiden Analytical