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Chemistry · Glossary

What is Three-electrode set-up?

Also known as: working electrode · counter electrode

Definition 10.4 University Chemistry — Year 2 · Chapter 10 — Current–Potential Curves

In a three-electrode set-up, the current flows between the working electrode, the one studied, and the counter electrode, which closes the circuit; the potential of the working electrode is measured against a reference electrode through which no current flows. An electronic potentiostat adjusts the current so that this potential keeps the imposed value.

The three-electrode set-up. The potentiostat drives the current between the working electrode (WE) and the counter electrode (CE) so as to hold the potential of the working electrode, measured against the reference electrode (RE), at the imposed value; no current flows through the reference.
The three-electrode set-up. The potentiostat drives the current between the working electrode (WE) and the counter electrode (CE) so as to hold the potential of the working electrode, measured against the reference electrode (RE), at the imposed value; no current flows through the reference.
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