Platinum Microelectrode (10 µm, 25 µm, 50 µm, 100 µm or 200 µm)

Platinum ultramicroelectrodes for low-current electrochemistry

A platinum microelectrode (also called an ultramicroelectrode, UME) is a polished platinum disk sealed into an insulating body (commonly glass or glass/fluoropolymer). By reducing the electrode diameter to the micron scale, mass transport becomes predominantly radial/hemispherical diffusion, which helps establish stable, steady-state currents and enables measurements in challenging media where conventional macroelectrodes suffer from large iR drop and capacitive artefacts.

Available microelectrode sizes (platinum disk diameter)

Select a diameter to match your current range, noise floor, and diffusion regime:

• 10 µm – ultra-low currents, fastest steady-state behaviour, ideal for microvolumes and high-resistance media
• 25 µm – versatile UME for kinetics and steady-state voltammetry with improved robustness vs 10 µm
• 50 µm – higher limiting current, easier handling; ideal for routine method development
• 100 µm – stronger signal while retaining many microelectrode advantages
• 200 µm – highest current option in this range; useful when signal-to-noise is the priority
  
  

Key features and typical construction

• Platinum disk working surface with mirror-finish polishability (refreshable with routine polishing)
• Insulated shank suited to standard electrochemical cells; many research designs use an approximately 4 mm OD body and reliable low-noise electrical contact
• Supports quiescent-solution experiments and fast transient techniques due to reduced double-layer charging
  
  

Compatibility and typical applications

Compatible with most potentiostats and standard 2- or 3-electrode cell configurations (with an appropriate reference and counter electrode). Common uses include:

• Steady-state and fast-scan voltammetry of redox mediators and catalysts
• Kinetic studies in dilute electrolyte, non-aqueous systems, and high-impedance environments
• Low-concentration analytes and microvolume electrochemistry
• Screening electrocatalysts where stable diffusion control is required
  
  

Researchers choose ScienceGears for practical diameter selection support and integration guidance with complementary potentiostats, Faraday cages, and electrochemical cells.