Introduction
The Glassy Carbon Rotating Disk Electrode (Glassy Carbon RDE) can be used with the 797 VA Computrace for voltammetric applications that require a solid-state glassy carbon working electrode. To ensure reliable performance, the Glassy Carbon RDE must be used with dedicated platinum-free accessories. Instead of a platinum auxiliary electrode, a glassy carbon pin is used. Before beginning, gather the required components, including the Glassy Carbon RDE drive shaft and electrode tip, reference electrode, glassy carbon auxiliary electrode, and the appropriate measuring head and electrode cables.
During setup, the Glassy Carbon RDE is installed in the measuring head in place of the stirrer, and the MME opening is sealed with the supplied plug. The reference and auxiliary electrodes are then installed, and each electrode is connected to the appropriate instrument input. Before use, the electrode surface should be regenerated by polishing with aluminum oxide using small figure-eight motions, then conditioned according to the application instructions to regenerate and activate the electrode surface. Following these preparation steps helps ensure accurate, reproducible voltammetric measurements.
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Topics Covered
- The use of the glassy-carbon RDE requires special accessories. These must be platinum-free and should only be used with this type of electrode. A glassy-carbon pin is used as an auxiliary electrode instead of platinum.
- The electrode surface of glassy-carbon electrodes can be regenerated by polishing with aluminum oxide. To do this, mix aluminum oxide with a little water and polish the electrode with small figure-eight motions.
- The working electrode consists of a drive shaft and an electrode tip.
- The RDE is inserted into the measuring head in place of the stirrer, and the opening for the MME is closed with a plug.
- Connect the electrode cables to the corresponding electrodes:
WE – Glassy-Carbon RDE
RE – Reference electrode
AE – Auxiliary electrode - Solid-state electrodes must be conditioned to regenerate and activate the electrode surface.
- Refer to the application instructions for electrode preparation information.
Additional Support
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