894 Professional CVS

Importance of the topic

Electroplating relies on precise control of organic additives—suppressors, brighteners and levelers—to achieve uniform coatings, optimal appearance and functional performance. Accurate, rapid analysis of these components is vital for process efficiency, cost reduction and compliance with quality standards.

Objectives and study overview

This article introduces the Metrohm 894 Professional Cyclic Voltammetric Stripping (CVS) system paired with viva software, demonstrating its flexibility, automation capabilities and data security features. The goal is to show how this modular platform meets diverse laboratory demands for additive determination in plating baths.

Methodology and instrumentation

The analytical approach uses cyclic voltammetric stripping combined with established calibration techniques: Dilution Titration (DT) for suppressors, Linear Approximation Technique (LAT) and Modified LAT (MLAT) for brighteners, Response Curve (RC) for levelers and chronopotentiometry for specialized cases. viva software orchestrates measurements, real-time data display and automated evaluation.
Instrumentation:

• 894 Professional CVS stand with integrated potentiostat/galvanostat, built-in calibrator and exchangeable measuring head
• viva PC software offering method programming, database management, user administration, control charts and automated backups
• Optional modules: 800 Dosino dosing units, 843 Pump Station, 919 IC Autosampler, 858 CVS Sample Processor
• Electrode kits with interchangeable platinum electrodes (1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm)
• Pt1000 temperature sensor and temperature-controlled bath for precise thermal control

Main results and discussion

Suppressor concentrations determined by DT exhibit high accuracy and reproducibility with minimal reagent consumption. Brightener quantification via LAT/MLAT and chronopotentiometry yields results within minutes, supporting high throughput. Leveler analysis using RC completes the additive profile. Automated recalibrations during sample runs maintain reliability despite environmental fluctuations.

Benefits and practical applications of the method

• Modular design scales from manual single-sample setups to fully automated workflows processing up to 56 samples per run
• Significant reagent savings (up to 70 %) and reduced analysis time lower cost of ownership
• Exchangeable measuring heads enable rapid method changes without tools
• viva software ensures data traceability, secure user access, GLP compliance and seamless LIMS integration

Future trends and potential applications

Ongoing developments in pulse-plating voltammetry and multi-analyte detection will broaden analytical capabilities. Increased integration with robotics and digital laboratory ecosystems will drive real-time process monitoring. Cloud-based data sharing and standardized method libraries promise enhanced collaboration across industries.

Conclusion

The Metrohm 894 Professional CVS system combined with viva software offers a comprehensive solution for precise, efficient monitoring of electroplating bath additives. Its adaptability, automation potential and advanced data management support robust quality control in modern plating operations.