Recent progress in the development of improved reference electrodes for electrochemistry

Abstract

A vital part of almost every experimental electrochemical set up is the reference electrode. As the development of working and indicator electrodes progresses to sensors with greater long-term stability and efficiency, it is important for reference electrodes to keep up with that progress. In this review, the deficiencies of commonly used reference electrodes are discussed, and recent work in the development of new reference electrode designs for more stable and reliable electrochemical experiments is highlighted. This encompasses work with salt-bridge reference electrodes comprising nanoporous and capillary junctions, solid-contact reference electrodes, and ionic liquid-based reference electrodes.

Keywords: Ionic liquid reference electrodes; Liquid junction; Reference electrodes; Salt bridges; Solid-contact reference electrodes.