Voltammetry – Installing the reference electrode

Installation of reference electrode

Here you will learn all about the installation of your reference electrode.

FAQs

Chloride interferes with my determination. Can I use another electrolyte instead of KCl?

The electrolyte vessel can be filled with any electrolyte that is a good conductor. If chloride interferes with the determination, you can use KNO₃, for example, instead of KCl. However, you should not change the electrolyte in the internal reference system. Using a different electrolyte here instead of c(KCl) = 3 mol/L changes the reference potential. This is also the case if you are using a different concentration of KCl.
Potassium interferes with my determination. Can I use another electrolyte instead of KCl?

The electrolyte vessel can be filled with any electrolyte that is a good conductor. If potassium interferes with the determination, you can use NaCl, for example, instead of KCl. However, you should not change the electrolyte in the internal reference system. Using a different electrolyte here instead of c(KCl) = 3 mol/L changes the reference potential. This is also the case if you are using a different concentration of KCl.

Reference electrode	Potential compared to SHE (standard hydrogen electrode at 25 °C)
Ag/AgCl, c(KCl) = 3 mol/L	+207 mV
Ag/AgCl, c(KCl) = 1 mol/L	+236 mV
Hg/Hg₂Cl₂, c(KCl) = sat. (SCE – saturated calomel electrode)	+241 mV
Hg/Hg₂Cl₂, c(KCl) = 1 mol/L (NCE – normal calomel electrode)	+280 mV
Ag/AgCl, c(KCl) = 0.1 mol/L	+291 mV