pseudoreferanseelektroder

Pseudoreferanseelektroder, sometimes referred to as pseudoreference electrodes or reference pseudo-electrodes, are a type of electrochemical sensor that mimics the behavior of a true reference electrode but does not possess a stable, well-defined electrochemical potential. Unlike a standard reference electrode such as the saturated calomel electrode (SCE) or the silver/silver chloride electrode (Ag/AgCl), which rely on specific solid-state equilibria, pseudoreference electrodes typically consist of a conductive material, often a metal wire or a conductive polymer, immersed in the same electrolyte solution as the working electrode.

The potential of a pseudoreference electrode is not intrinsically fixed but rather fluctuates depending on the composition of the electrolyte and the electrochemical reactions occurring at the working electrode. They are often employed in applications where cost, simplicity, or the need for a non-standard electrolyte environment is paramount. For example, in some biosensor applications or when working with highly reactive solutions where traditional reference electrodes might degrade, a pseudoreference electrode can serve as a convenient albeit less precise potential mediator.

To utilize a pseudoreference electrode, its potential is often calibrated against a true reference electrode prior to or during the experiment. This calibration allows researchers to infer the potential of the working electrode relative to a stable reference. While they lack the accuracy and long-term stability of true reference electrodes, their ease of fabrication and adaptability to various experimental conditions make them a valuable tool in specific electrochemical research and development contexts. Their use requires careful consideration of potential drift and the impact of electrolyte changes on their apparent potential.