Luggin Capillary for Reduced iR drop
Closely position your reference and working electrodes for more accurate voltage measurements
Specifications | Gallery | Pricing | Related Products | Technical Support
A Luggin capillary is a fine, curved glass tube filled with electrolyte, used to position the tip of a reference electrode as close as possible to the working electrode surface to minimize the uncompensated resistance in electrochemical measurements.
The technique was first introduced by an Australian chemist “Hans Luggin”. The term "capillary" refers to the fine bore of the tube; its narrow diameter relies on capillary forces to retain the electrolyte within the tip, preventing gas bubble entrapment and maintaining a stable, continuous ionic pathway between the reference electrode and the working electrode surface.
Accurate measurement of the potential between the working and reference electrode is essential for reliable electrochemical data. Any uncompensated resistance, particularly the solution resistance between the working electrode and the reference electrode tip, introduces error into potential measurements, distorting kinetic and mechanistic data. The characteristic curved tip of the Luggin capillary allows the reference electrode to be brought close to the working electrode without physically obstructing current flow, substantially reducing this uncompensated (iR) resistance.
The capillary also functions as a secondary junction, physically isolating the reference electrode from the bulk electrolyte. This limits the ingress of reference electrode fill solution ions (such as Ag⁺ or Cl⁻) into the main cell, protecting the working electrolyte from contamination, which can otherwise compromise sensitive electrochemical measurements over time. Available in two lengths, 34 mm and 47 mm, to suit different cell geometries and reference electrode positioning requirements.
Curved Tip Design
Close proximity positioning to the working electrode
As a Secondary Junction
Reduce main electrolyte contamination
Flexibility of Selection
Available in 34 mm and 47 mm lengths
Compatibility
Compatible with standard reference electrode diameter
Specifications
| Product Name | Luggin Capillary (34mm) | Luggin Capillary (47mm) |
|---|---|---|
| SKU | C2041E1 | C2041K1 |
| Length | 34 mm | 47mm |
| Material | Borosilicate Glass | Borosilicate Glass |
| Tip/Frit Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Tip/Frit Diameter | 1 mm | 1 mm |
| Outer Diameter | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Compatible Reference Electrode Diameter | All <7 mm | All <7 mm |
| Electrolyte Compatibility | Not recommend for strongly acidic or alkaline or molten salt electrolytes | Not recommend for strongly acidic or alkaline or molten salt electrolytes |
Luggin Capillary Gallery
Pricing and Options
| Product Name | Product Code | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Luggin Capillary (34mm) | C2041E1 | £30 |
| Luggin Capillary (34mm) - Pack of 5 | C2041E1-5 | £130 |
| Luggin Capillary (47 mm) | C2041K1 | £30 |
| Luggin Capillary (47mm) - Pack of 5 | C2041K1-5 | £130 |
