Knowledge What is a Mercury/Mercurous Sulfate (Hg/Hg2SO4) Electrode? Key Features and Applications Explained
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Tech Team · Kintek Solution

Updated 4 months ago

What is a Mercury/Mercurous Sulfate (Hg/Hg2SO4) Electrode? Key Features and Applications Explained

The reference electrode for mercury mercurous sulfate is the Mercury/Mercurous Sulfate (Hg/Hg2SO4) electrode. This electrode is filled with a saturated potassium sulfate solution (10% w/w) and has a standard electrode potential of 615 mV relative to the Normal Hydrogen Electrode (NHE). It is commonly used in electrochemical measurements due to its stability and well-defined potential. Below, the key aspects of this reference electrode are explained in detail.

Key Points Explained:

What is a Mercury/Mercurous Sulfate (Hg/Hg2SO4) Electrode? Key Features and Applications Explained
  1. Composition of the Electrode:

    • The electrode consists of mercury (Hg) in contact with mercurous sulfate (Hg2SO4).
    • The electrolyte used is a saturated potassium sulfate (K2SO4) solution, typically at a concentration of 10% w/w. This solution ensures ionic conductivity and stability.
  2. Electrode Potential:

    • The standard electrode potential for the Hg/Hg2SO4 electrode is 615 mV relative to the Normal Hydrogen Electrode (NHE). This potential is well-defined and reproducible, making it a reliable reference for electrochemical measurements.
  3. Applications:

    • The Hg/Hg2SO4 electrode is widely used in electrochemical experiments, particularly in environments where other reference electrodes (e.g., Ag/AgCl) may not be suitable. It is often employed in sulfate-containing solutions or where chloride ions could interfere.
  4. Advantages:

    • Stability: The electrode maintains a stable potential over time, making it suitable for long-term experiments.
    • Reproducibility: The well-defined potential ensures consistent results across multiple measurements.
    • Compatibility: It is ideal for use in sulfate-based electrolytes, avoiding issues with chloride contamination.
  5. Comparison with Other Reference Electrodes:

    • Compared to the Silver/Silver Chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrode, the Hg/Hg2SO4 electrode is less affected by chloride ions, making it preferable in certain applications.
    • It is also more stable than the Calomel electrode (Hg/Hg2Cl2) in sulfate-rich environments.
  6. Maintenance and Handling:

    • The electrode requires proper storage in a saturated potassium sulfate solution to maintain its performance.
    • Regular calibration against a known standard (e.g., NHE) is recommended to ensure accuracy.

By understanding these key points, a purchaser or user can make informed decisions about the suitability of the Hg/Hg2SO4 reference electrode for their specific electrochemical applications.

Summary Table:

Aspect Details
Composition Mercury (Hg) in contact with mercurous sulfate (Hg2SO4), saturated K2SO4 solution (10% w/w)
Electrode Potential 615 mV relative to NHE
Applications Used in sulfate-containing solutions, avoids chloride interference
Advantages Stable, reproducible, compatible with sulfate-based electrolytes
Comparison Less affected by chloride ions than Ag/AgCl; more stable than Calomel in sulfate-rich environments
Maintenance Store in saturated K2SO4 solution; regular calibration recommended

Need a reliable reference electrode for your experiments? Contact us today to learn more about the Hg/Hg2SO4 electrode!

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