Following the success of our recent discussion on electrochemical mass spectrometry, we sat down with Jim Melling, Senior Applications Specialist, and Andrea Secco, Applications Specialist — both members of the Gas Applications Team at Hiden Analytical — to discuss the latest developments in the ECL-Series electrochemical cells for the HPR-40 DEMS system.
In this Q&A, Jim and Andrea answer frequently asked questions about ECL-Static, ECL-Insight, and ECL-Probe cell design, system synchronisation, and best practices for real-time electrochemical gas analysis. Their insights highlight how the ECL-Series enhances sensitivity, control, and reproducibility across a wide range of research applications.
The ECL-Static and ECL-Insight cells have quite different designs. How should a researcher decide which one to use?
That choice really depends on the type of experiment being carried out. The ECL-Static electrochemical (EC) cell is ideal for studies under static or low-flow conditions, such as desorption or electrodeposition research. It’s simple to set up, adaptable for different electrode coatings, and offers stable measurements without the need for pumps.
The ECL-Insight electrochemical (EC) cell, on the other hand, is designed for dynamic systems where a fast electrolyte flow and rapid response are needed—like hydrogen evolution or CO₂ reduction. It separates the anode and cathode chambers, maintains bubble-free operation, and enables very fast voltage sweeps. Many labs actually use both, depending on whether the priority is control or speed. These ECL-Series cells are widely used in electrochemical research for enhanced precision and reproducibility.
The ECL-Probe looks quite different from the cells. What kind of studies is it best suited to?
The ECL-Probe electrochemical (EC) cell extends the DEMS concept to almost any electrochemical (EC) setup. Because it’s non-metallic and fully immersible, it can be placed directly into commercial or custom-made cells without altering their design. Its flexible design also means it’s great for research groups developing their own electrochemical (EC) cell geometries. These ECL-Series cells are widely used in electrochemical research for enhanced precision and reproducibility.
You’ve mentioned synchronisation with the electrochemical workstation several times. How does the software integration work in practice?
The HPR-40 DEMS real-time gas analysis system integrates with most commercial potentiostats via trigger and analogue signal cables, so current and potential data are captured alongside mass-spectrometric signals.
Within QGA or MASsoft software, these inputs can be plotted in real time—allowing users to see how potential changes correlate with gas evolution or consumption. That synchronisation eliminates the guesswork of aligning datasets manually, which is a huge time-saver for kinetic or mechanism studies. The HPR-40 DEMS system provides unparalleled performance for researchers conducting gas evolution and reaction studies.
Maintenance and reliability are often overlooked until something goes wrong. What has been done to make the ECL-Series easier to look after?
Ease of maintenance was a design priority. The nanoporous PTFE membrane interface is easily replaceable by the user, meaning performance can be restored quickly without returning the system to the factory.
The cells themselves are made from PEEK and PTFE, materials chosen for chemical resistance and longevity. With proper cleaning and rinsing, many users run the same setup for months of daily use. That reliability means researchers can focus on experiments instead of troubleshooting hardware. These ECL-Series cells are widely used in electrochemical research for enhanced precision and reproducibility.
How does the HPR-40 DEMS handle complex gas mixtures or overlapping peaks?
That’s where the mass spectrometer’s speed and data handling come into play. The HPR-40 DEMS real-time gas analysis system can perform up to 1000 measurements per second, and the software supports deconvolution routines and ratio scans for separating overlapping signals.
Users can also apply soft ionisation modes to reduce fragmentation, making it easier to identify and quantify specific products even in multi-component gas streams. Combined with the built-in gas library, it gives highly accurate, quantitative results across a wide mass range. The HPR-40 DEMS system provides unparalleled performance for researchers conducting gas evolution and reaction studies.
From your experience, what’s surprised users most when they first start working with the ECL-Series?
Most are surprised by just how quickly they see results. Because of the direct electrode-to-MS connection, signals appear almost instantly when reactions start. The visual link between potential, current, and mass-spec output makes even complex reactions feel tangible.
Another pleasant surprise is how user-friendly the system is. Despite being a high-end analytical tool, it’s plug-and-play from day one. Many users tell us they were collecting publishable data within hours of setup—which is rare for advanced electrochemical (EC) instrumentation.
🔬 To learn more about the Hiden Analytical HPR-40 DEMS and the ECL-Series electrochemical cell range, visit the HPR-40 DEMS product page.
📩 For further details, technical support, or to discuss your application with our Gas Applications Team, please contact us.
