The platinum mesh counter electrode is an auxiliary electrode made of fine platinum wire woven into a mesh and mounted on an insulating electrode rod. In a three-electrode cell it closes the current circuit. For the same footprint the mesh offers more surface than a flat sheet and lets electrolyte pass through its openings, which is why it is preferred in experiments with high currents or gas evolution.
The mesh is 52-mesh. Square/rectangular sizes from 10×10 to 30×30 mm and a Ø20 mm circular size are available. The real surface area cannot be taken from the geometric size (e.g. 10×10 mm = 1 cm²); aim for at least about three times the working electrode area. For ordinary voltammetry a platinum wire is enough; choose the mesh for high currents, bulk electrolysis or a large working electrode.
| Electrode type | Platinum mesh counter (auxiliary) electrode |
| Electrode material | Platinum |
| Mesh count | 52 mesh |
| Mesh sizes | 10×10, 10×15, 10×20, 10×30, 15×15, 20×20, 30×30 mm and Ø20 mm circular (Pt-R20) |
| Geometric footprint (one face) | 10×10 mm ≈ 1 cm², 20×20 mm ≈ 4 cm², 30×30 mm ≈ 9 cm², Ø20 mm ≈ 3.1 cm²; the real mesh surface differs from this |
| Standard electrode rod length | 60 mm, 80 mm or 100 mm |
| Compatible media | Widely used as a counter electrode in aqueous acid media (e.g. H₂SO₄). In organic solvents the solvent compatibility of the insulating body must be checked separately |
| Platinum dissolution / redeposition | At high anodic potentials and in long or many-cycle experiments platinum can dissolve and redeposit on the working electrode; in tests of Pt-free catalysts this can make the activity look higher than it is. For such work prefer a graphite/glassy-carbon counter electrode or a separate compartment |
| Cleaning | After use rinse with a suitable solvent, then with high-purity water; check the surface for deposits and run a blank scan if cross-contamination is possible. Do not flame-anneal electrodes with a polymer body |
| Mechanical note | Woven from fine platinum wire; avoid bending, squeezing and contact with hard objects |
| Connection | Connects to the counter electrode (CE/auxiliary) lead of the potentiostat. Contact pin type and cell/cable fit can be confirmed before ordering |
| Custom production | On request (size) |
| Size | Description |
| Pt 1010 (10 × 10 mm) | 10 × 10 mm mesh |
| Pt 1015 (10 × 15 mm) | 10 × 15 mm mesh |
| Pt 1020 (10 × 20 mm) | 10 × 20 mm mesh |
| Pt 1030 (10 × 30 mm) | 10 × 30 mm mesh |
| Pt 1515 (15 × 15 mm) | 15 × 15 mm mesh |
| Pt 2020 (20 × 20 mm) | 20 × 20 mm mesh |
| Pt 3030 (30 × 30 mm) | 30 × 30 mm mesh |
| Pt-R20 (Ø20 mm circular) | Ø20 mm circular mesh |
For sizes and specifications not listed above, you can request a custom quotation through the Quote Form.
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