Description:

Electrode polishing is a technique used to prepare metal electrodes for electrochemical experiments.

Materials Needed:

Metal electrode (usually platinum, gold, or glassy carbon)
Polishing kit (abrasive pads, polishing cloth, and polishing solution)
Distilled water
Cleaning solvents (acetone or isopropyl alcohol)

Procedure:

Initial Cleaning: Start with a clean electrode by rinsing it with distilled water and then with cleaning solvent to remove any residues or contaminants.
Setting up Polisher: Set up the electrode polisher, attach the polishing cloth, add 0.05µm polishing powder, dampen with distilled water to form a paste.
Polishing: Turn on the polishing machine and run at maximum speed. Hold the electrode vertically over the pad with proper pressure. After 20 seconds, polish is done. Rinse electrode with distilled water.
Rinse: Rinse the electrode thoroughly with distilled water to remove any abrasive particles.
Repeat: If needed, progress to finer polishing powder with the same procedure. This step gradually smoothens the electrode's surface.
Polishing Solution: Apply a small amount of polishing solution to a polishing cloth. Polish the electrode with the cloth using gentle circular motions. This step helps achieve a mirror-like finish.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse the electrode again with distilled water to remove any remaining polishing solution. Dry the electrode with a stream of nitrogen or by gently patting it with a lens tissue.
Final Cleaning: Clean the electrode with a cleaning solvent (acetone or isopropyl alcohol) to remove any remaining residues. Handle the electrode with gloves to avoid contamination.
Verification: On the electrochemical workstation, choose cyclic voltammetry and test the electrode in standard potassium ferricyanide solution. A peak difference of around 70 confirms electrode qualification..
Storage: Use two clean beakers, place A with absolute ethanol and B with Type II deionized water. Submerge the electrodes in A for ultrasonic cleaning and then submerge the electrode in B, conducting ultrasonic cleaning for up to 60 seconds again. Remove from beaker B and air dry the electrode for future use. Store the polished electrode in a clean and dry environment, such as a desiccator, to prevent contamination.

Product ID

P400 Series Kit

P800 Series Kit

Electric polishing machine GU100