Operando Raman spectroscopy is a powerful way to study batteries and fuel cells under real working conditions. By collecting Raman spectra while an electrochemical experiment is running, researchers can track how materials change as voltage, current and state of charge evolve. This makes it possible to connect structural and chemical changes directly to electrochemical performance.

In this Edinburgh Instruments Spectroscopy in Action webinar, Dr Anna Gakamsky and Dr Matthew Berry introduce Click-and-Go Operando Raman, an intelligent automation approach designed to make these experiments more reliable, reproducible and practical for long measurement protocols.

Why is Manual Operando Raman Difficult?

A traditional operando Raman setup often involves two separate systems: a Raman microscope and a potentiostat. Each has its own software, timing and data output. That means the user has to manually coordinate electrochemical control with Raman acquisition, often estimating when to collect spectra after each voltage step.

This manual approach creates several challenges. Synchronisation errors can weaken the relationship between the electrochemical state and the Raman spectrum. Long experiments may require someone to stay with the instrument, making overnight or weekend runs impractical. Once the experiment is finished, researchers are often left with fragmented spectral and electrochemical data that must be manually organised, aligned and processed before it is ready for publication.

The result is a hidden cost in throughput, reproducibility and accessibility. Experiments are limited by working hours and operator availability, while small timing differences can introduce systematic bias between runs.

Click. Go. Analyse.

At Edinburgh Instruments, we’ve created a workflow that allows you to maximise your time without worrying about the samples you are running:

1. Define your electrochemistry protocol
2. Set your Raman parameters
3. Press Go
4. Walk away
5. Return to publication-ready data

Behind the scenes, the system automatically synchronises the Raman microscope and potentiostat, while continuously maintaining data quality throughout the experiment.

Key automation features

• Acquire spectra at true electrochemical equilibrium
  Rather than relying on arbitrary delays, Raman measurements are automatically triggered when the cell reaches a defined electrochemical state, improving data quality and reproducibility.
• Real-time wavenumber correction
  A sapphire reference built into the electrochemical cell continuously compensates for temperature-induced spectral drift, ensuring that observed peak shifts reflect real chemistry rather than instrument changes.
• Autonomous Z-stack autofocus
  The system periodically verifies and optimises focus throughout long experiments, preventing focus drift from affecting spectral intensity or data interpretation.
• Machine learning-ready datasets
  Every spectrum is automatically linked to electrochemical parameters such as voltage, current, time and state of charge, creating structured datasets ready for advanced analysis, automation and AI-driven workflows.
• Results
  A fully automated operando Raman workflow that delivers higher reproducibility, improved throughput and publication-ready battery characterisation data with minimal user intervention.

Watch the Click And Go Operando Raman Webinar

Watch the full webinar below to hear Dr Matthew Berry and Dr Anna Gakamsky explain the system architecture, automation strategies and future opportunities for battery and fuel cell analysis.