In many research Sodium metal have been used as counter and reference electrodes. How to use Sodium metal in a three or two electrode setup ? Should we prepare the setup in an inert environment and how to prepare a solid Na metal electrode ?
Hi there. Sodium absolutely requires preparation in an inert environment, usually an Argon-filled glovebox.
As there are no commercial foils available, you will have to buy sodium pieces, roll or press them to make them flat and cut out electrodes of the desired size.
Buy a cylindrical ingot of Sodium. Transfer it to an Ar-filled glove box with water and oxygen content below 0.1 ppm. Cut a small cross-sectional piece using a dedicated steel cutter. Dip the sodium piece into paraffin oil (completely degassed/No Air). After multiple dips, start pressing it using a dedicated roller. Keep rolling until you get an appropriate thickness (Oil helps rolling it smoothly). Use hollow cylinders to cut sodium into circular disks. Store these disks in copious amount of hexane (Degassed/No-air). Dry before using them.
Sebastian and Umair thank you very much.
You can try to melt (~97.8°C), prudently[1], a small piece (chunk) of pure Sodium in a Copper (or stainless steel, Al, etc.) crucible, inside your Ar-filled GB[2] (glove box).
1. Under the inspection of a technical personnel (responsible for the GB) and your supervisor.
2. Always, under water and oxygen content below 0.5 ppm (or lower).
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