Working electrode

A working electrode is an electrode on which electrochemical processes take place in a controlled manner. For this purpose, the potential of the working electrode is measured with the aid of a reference electrode and, if necessary, regulated with a suitable arrangement (for example a potentiostat ).

Inert working electrodes are used in many electrochemical studies and processes . This means that the working electrode serves as a surface on which electrochemical reactions of substances dissolved in the electrolyte can take place without the working electrode taking part in the actual reaction. Depending on the potential of the working electrode, dissolved substances can be oxidized or reduced ; the working electrode only serves as an electron acceptor or electron donor . Common materials for inert working electrodes are mercury , gold , platinum , and glassy carbon (English glassy carbon ).