Counter Electrode
Oxidation, solvent and acid resistant platinum wire counter electrodes
Widely used in standard electrochemistry cells for cyclic voltammetry and more
Platinum wire counter electrodes are widely used in standard electrochemistry cells for cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and other electrochemical techniques. They are favoured over others largely due to their low price and resistance to oxidation, solvents and acids. Our 99.99% purity platinum wire counter electrodes are available in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) plastic bodies with discounts available for pack sizes of five and ten.
These electrodes are the same as those shipped with the Ossila Potentiostat when bought as a complete system and can also be purchased as part of one of our convenient excellent value electrochemical cell kits.
What is a counter electrode?
Counter electrodes, also referred to as auxiliary electrodes, are used in two or three electrode systems to complete the circuit so that electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry can be performed. In a three electrode electrochemical cell they do so without passing significant current through the reference electrode.
Potentiostat

- Cell and Electrodes Included
- Low Price
- Easy to Use
£1600.00 With Electrochemical Cell
More Information
What is the function of a counter electrode?
In a three electrode system, current is recorded as electrons flowing through the working electrode and the counter electrode. In this set up, the potential of the counter electrode is not normally measured but is adjusted to balance the reaction occurring at the working electrode.
When reduction occurs at the working electrode, oxidation takes place at the counter electrode. To avoid oxidised species generated at the counter electrode interfering and contaminating with any ongoing reactions at the working electrode, the counter electrode can sometimes be physically separated from the working electrode compartment using a glass frit.
In a two electrode system, a single electrode serves as both the counter electrode and the reference electrode. In this case, the surface area of the counter electrode should be greater than the surface area of the working electrode to ensure that the kinetics of the reaction occurring at the counter electrode do not inhibit those occurring at the working electrode.
Why use a platinum counter electrode?
Platinum is a good choice of material for a counter electrode mostly due to its inertness. It is important for all electrochemical methods that the counter electrode allows current to flow without causing a chemical change in the solution being studied, as this would alter the results of the experiment or measurement. Platinum counter electrodes are oxidation, solvent and acid resistant.
Specifications
Platinum Wire Counter Electrode

Purity | 99.99% |
Pricing and Options
Product Name | Product Code | Price |
Platinum Wire Counter Electrode | C2014A1 | £146.00 |
Platinum Wire Counter Electrode - Pack of 5 | C2014A1-5 | £693.00 |
Platinum Wire Counter Electrode - Pack of 10 | C2014A1-10 | £1,310.00 |
Related Products
To the best of our knowledge the information provided here is accurate. However, Ossila assume no liability for the accuracy of this page. The values provided are typical at the time of manufacture and may vary over time and from batch to batch. All products are for laboratory and research and development use only, and may not be used for any other purpose including health care, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food or commercial applications.