Characterizing electrodes for neural interfaces is an essential step of the prototyping and manufacturing process. Sample performance can be modelled by conducting electrochemical measurements such as Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, Cyclic Voltammetry, Voltage Transients and Noise characterization, providing insights for future use scenarios. However, parameters, techniques, and scientific reporting of results often fall short of a complete characterization and do not adhere to any standard.

A platform for accurate, reliable, and standardized electrode characterization was conceived to overcome these obstacles. It allows complete electrochemical characterization while providing a modular 3D-printed solution to securing the electrodes above the beaker. Additional parameters, such as electromagnetic isolation and control of the medium, are also accounted for. A complete characterization study of ENEPIG electrodes was carried out to validate the setup. Manufactured as circuit boards, not electrodes, several aspects of their electrochemical performance were lacking - mainly their survivability to the stress applied by the tests carried out. Testing parameters had to be determined to minimize structural damage while maximizing performance, akin to what would be desirable in a clinical setting.

Sensing characterization experiments identified a double-layer electrode structure and revealed that smaller electrodes exhibit capacitive behaviour in bandwidths one order of magnitude wider than larger ones. Stimulation characterization experiments ascertained that charge surface distribution would predominantly accumulate along the perimeter of the electrode. In conjunction with surface characterization, results indicate the flat surface of the electrodes prevents charge from being stored and injected optimally. Ultimately, the performance of the ENEPIG electrodes was measured with the injection-to-storage ratio at 10%, significantly inferior to other Au electrodes reported in the literature and utilized in vivo. As results accurately represented the sample population, characterization was deemed successful - validating the experimentation setup developed for this project.