Reliable low-cost experimental setup for material synthesis modification by applying alternating electric fields

Abstract

Building of laboratory hardware in-house can reduce overall equipment costs and respond to the specific requirements of the experiment. The aim of this contribution is to present the novel design and implementation of the low-cost module for AC electric excitation of chemical systems, mainly intended for modifying wet chemical synthesis of nanomaterials. Results of preliminary modelling and experimental tests indicate good module reliability and applicability of the modification methodology on various material types (ceramics, metals and proteins). Possible underlying mechanisms correlating the influence of alternating electric fields and material properties, as well as potential improvements in module construction are discussed.