Most of the amperometric experiments done I have seen in different publications used Ag/AgCl as reference electrode. Why is it necessary to do? What is the advantage of using Ag/AgCl electrode over other materials or metals?
In principle, I won't use a Ag/AgCl reference electrode in an electrolyte that is free of any chloride - in those cases the KCl-solution of the reference may contaminate your original solution, leading to unwanted reactions etc. Thus, you cannot generally consider the Ag/AgCl reference to be the best for all situations. Howver, in case that you are interested in e.g. corrosion testing in halide containing media, then the Ag/AgCl is a good choice. I personally prefer Hg/HgO-electrodes for alkaline solutions, or Hg/HgSO4 for acidic stuff! Kind regards, Dirk
Usually your potential is stable for long enough to do a amperometric i-t curve for electroanalytical or bioanalytical applications, but probably not a good idea for bulk electrolysis for long periods of time.
Hi, So far I can understand the function of the reference electrode is to maintain a constant potential throughout the amperometric experiment. But can't we use anything which could provide a constant voltage (a battery or a dc source maybe) instead?
Please have a look at the diagram I have attached. Does it look ok?
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