FASTER robotic electrochemistry

We are revolutionising the development of advanced electrochemical systems by developing a robot to autonomously screen and evaluate your materials 24/7. We call it FASTER. You will too.

The FASTER way

Electrochemical testing and validation of new materials can be time consuming tasks, slowing down the research and development phase of next-generation material systems, processes and products. FASTER is a set of ha

rdware and software systems developed by CSIRO to overcome time limiting inefficiencies and human error in electrochemical testing and materials validation.

Using a robotically actuated sensing platform and a computer controlled liquid delivery system, we can automate routine electrochemical testing tasks, enabling extensive multi-day testing cycles of up to 80 discrete electrically addressable samples, without human intervention. FASTER records electrochemical data using industry standard potentiostats, ensuring that the data FASTER from is directly comparable with well-established testing and regulatory standards.

FASTER analysis

FASTER’s range of experimental testing and analysis systems are equipped with automatic feature extraction of electrochemically relevant parameters to interpret electrochemical data (corrosion current, corrosion voltage and Tafel slopes). Automation dramatically reduces the overall labour requirements of any study by eliminating the need for manual data formatting and manual fitting/determination of electrochemical parameters.

FASTER minimisation of experimental waste

FASTER’s standardised testing array reduces the testing volume of the electrolyte (from ~250 mL to less than 20 mL over 80 samples) and is a significant reduction in the volume of liquid waste which needs to be dispensed and then subsequently disposed of, reducing experimental costs. Our proprietary testing technology can be adapted to suit almost any sample shape including plates/coupons, electrodes, bars, bolts, nuts, welds/joins, spheres, rivets, and many more industrially important test sample geometries.

FASTER on the fly

Our FASTER testing systems move beyond rote combinatorial electrochemistry, with the liquid dispensing system tuned to deliver two or more liquids to spike the testing electrolyte. This can determine optimal chemical concentrations, effective pH operating ranges, effective electrochemical windows and synergistic mixtures of active elements in an experimental design space.

F.A.S.T.E.R materials development and validation

FASTER excels at accelerating discovery in commercially and industrially relevant electrochemical process:

• Screening of electrochemically active materials, accelerating the materials discovery phase
• Validating corrosion protection systems
• Testing new coating formulations
• Battery electrode and electrolyte optimisation and formulation
• Anodisation processes
• Electrodeposition and electroplating

FASTER has been used to screen and develop next generation anti-corrosion compounds to replace existing toxic solutions.

Working FASTER with us

Our widely recognised R&D activities in materials development and electrochemical sciences demonstrate how our research teams apply science and engineering in practical and innovative ways to provide industry with world-leading solutions.

CSIRO is interested in forming creative and commercially productive partnerships with companies seeking to explore advanced materials.

Contact Michael Breedon: +61 3 9545 7826 or michael.breedon@csiro.au