työelektrodis

A työelektrodi, often translated as working electrode, is a fundamental component in electrochemistry. It is the electrode where the electrochemical reaction of interest takes place. In an electrochemical cell, there are typically at least two electrodes: the working electrode and the counter electrode (or auxiliary electrode). A reference electrode is also often included to provide a stable potential against which the potential of the working electrode can be controlled and measured.

The material and surface properties of the working electrode are crucial as they can significantly influence the kinetics and selectivity of the electrochemical process. Common materials include platinum, gold, carbon (such as glassy carbon or carbon paste), and various metal oxides. The surface can be modified to enhance specific properties or to immobilize catalysts or recognition elements for applications like sensors.

The potential applied to the working electrode dictates which electrochemical reactions can occur. By systematically varying this potential and measuring the resulting current, electrochemists can gain information about the redox properties of analytes, reaction mechanisms, and quantitative concentrations. This technique is the basis for many analytical methods, including voltammetry and amperometry, and is widely used in research, environmental monitoring, and industrial process control. The term työelektrodi emphasizes its active role as the site of the chemical transformation driven by electrical current.