Diskenelektroden

Diskenelektroden, also known as disc electrodes, are a common type of electrochemical sensor. They are characterized by their disc-shaped working surface, typically made of a conductive material such as platinum, gold, glassy carbon, or carbon paste. The electrode is usually mounted in an insulating material, forming a well-defined geometrical configuration. This geometry is crucial for the predictable diffusion of reactants to the electrode surface, which is a fundamental principle in many electrochemical techniques.

The primary advantage of disk electrodes lies in their simplicity and versatility. They are widely used in various electrochemical applications, including cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and potentiometry. Their small size and ease of fabrication make them suitable for laboratory research and analytical measurements. The surface area of the disk electrode is a key parameter that influences the current response and detection limits. The radius of the disc can vary, leading to electrodes with different surface areas.

Disk electrodes are often used in conjunction with a reference electrode and a counter electrode to form a three-electrode electrochemical cell. This setup allows for precise control and measurement of potential and current. The performance of a disk electrode can be affected by surface preparation and the presence of contaminants. Therefore, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure accurate and reproducible results. The mathematical description of mass transport to a planar disk electrode, often involving the Cottrell equation or Levich equation, is well-established and underpins the interpretation of experimental data obtained using these electrodes.