Publication date: 15th December 2025
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is often presented as a routine characterisation technique; yet its true potential lies in its ability to disentangle complex electrochemical phenomena occurring across multiple time and length scales. From batteries and electrocatalysis to corrosion and energy conversion devices, EIS offers unique insight into interfacial processes, transport limitations, and kinetic mechanisms that cannot be fully resolved using steady-state methods alone. However, extracting physically meaningful information requires careful attention to experimental validity and methodology.
This presentation discusses key practical aspects that govern the reliability and interpretability of impedance measurements, including verification of linearity, stability, and time invariance, together with quantitative approaches to assess deviations from ideal conditions. In particular, the use of advanced quality indicators (EIS QITM) to evaluate non-stationarity during measurements and post-processing strategies to correct drift effects (Z Inst) are highlighted as practical tools to improve data reliability. Beyond classical equilibrium measurements, dynamic (operando) EIS is introduced as a methodology for probing electrochemical systems under realistic operating conditions, such as during battery cycling. Although these measurements may not strictly satisfy the assumptions of conventional impedance theory, careful validation enables valuable time-resolved insight into evolving processes and degradation phenomena. Combining equilibrium and operando impedance approaches ultimately offers a more comprehensive understanding of electrochemical systems and their performance.
