Counter Electrodes
Counter electrodes from ScienceGears, available in platinum (wire, mesh, gauze, plate) and graphite formats, ensure stable current flow and accurate electrochemical data in three‑electrode systems.
Counter (Auxiliary) Electrodes for Three‑Electrode Systems
Introduction
In electrochemical measurements, the working electrode is where redox reactions of interest occur. The counter (auxiliary) electrode complements this by completing the circuit and allowing current to flow without interfering chemically. ScienceGears offers a range of counter electrodes—platinum and graphite—that balance inertness, conductivity, and surface area to deliver precise, reproducible results across research and industrial applications.
Key Features & Specifications
Our counter electrodes feature. Also customisation is possible.
- Platinum Helix Wire: PTFE‑sheathed helix, ~0.5 mm diameter, ~230 mm length, coil design for high surface exposure.
- Platinum Mesh: High‑purity (~99.9–99.95 %) mesh, wire diameters 0.1–0.5 mm, available in sizes up to 30×30 mm. Optimised for low current density.
- Platinum Gauze: Cylindrical gauze (Ø23 mm × 20 mm), 50‑mesh, high surface area for electrosynthesis and energy‑storage applications.
- Platinum Plate: Flat plates (e.g., 10×10×0.1 mm), corrosion‑resistant and suitable as anode/cathode in CV or bulk electrolysis.
- Platinum Wire: Straight wires (~0.5 mm diameter, customizable length), PTFE/glass body, with easy‑connect features and standard cell compatibility.
- Graphite Rod: Ø3–6 mm graphite core, PTFE‑sheathed, brass connector, total length ~130 mm. Robust and cost‑effective.
Applications
Used widely in:
- Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, linear sweep voltammetry
- Bulk electrolysis and electrosynthesis (e.g., water splitting, organic oxidation)
- Energy storage studies, corrosion testing, catalysis and fuel cell research
- Battery testing and general electroanalytical methods
Material Options
- Platinum: Exceptional chemical inertness, high conductivity, catalytic stability, suitable across wide potential ranges.
- Graphite: Economical, chemically stable in most systems, with acceptable conductivity—especially useful in non‑aqueous or budget‑sensitive setups.
Advantages of Buying from ScienceGears
- Expertise serving AU & NZ researchers in electrochemistry and spectroscopy
- Trusted supplier offering high‑quality, research‑grade electrodes tailored to advanced experimental needs
- Responsive service for quotes, custom dimensions, and application‑specific advice
FAQs
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Why choose platinum over graphite for counter electrodes?
Platinum offers unmatched inertness and catalytic resilience, essential for avoiding contamination in sensitive measurements. Graphite is a cost‑effective alternative when extreme potential stability isn’t critical. -
How does surface area affect electrode performance?
Higher surface area lowers current density at the counter electrode, reducing overpotential and ensuring accurate current balancing relative to the working electrode. -
Can I clean and reuse platinum electrodes?
Yes—cleaning methods (e.g. organic solvents, polishing) restore surface activity. Dull appearance or anomalous cyclic voltammograms in pure electrolytes indicate the need for cleaning. -
Are custom sizes available?
Many options like mesh dimensions, plate sizes, wire length, and sheath form factors can be customised—contact us for tailored solutions. -
What compatibility features are supported?
Our electrodes are designed for ease of integration into standard electrochemical cells—featuring ground joints, PTFE/epoxy bodies, O‑rings, and clip connections.
Final Call-to-Action:
Contact ScienceGears to discuss your requirements or request a quote for counter electrodes crafted to support high‑precision electrochemical research.