The platinum spiral wire counter electrode is made from Ø0.5 mm platinum wire with 230 mm exposed length, the end of which is wound into a spring (spiral) of about Ø4 mm. This packs the surface area of a long wire into a small volume inside the cell.

It is used as the auxiliary electrode that closes the current circuit in a three-electrode cell, while the potential is measured against the reference electrode. A common rule of thumb is a counter electrode area of at least about three times the working electrode area; a spiral wire meets this more easily than a short straight wire. The salt bridge model is meant for set-ups where products formed at the counter electrode must not reach the main solution.

Key Features

Ø0.5 mm platinum wire, 230 mm exposed length; the end is wound into a spring of about Ø4 mm (manufacturer data)
The spiral form packs the area of a long wire into a small volume
About 3.6 cm² geometric area (with all exposed wire immersed)
Two models: PT0523 and salt-bridge PT052300
Platinum is inert in most media and is the standard counter electrode material for voltammetry
Custom sizes made on request

Technical Specifications

Electrode type	Platinum spiral wire counter (auxiliary) electrode with insulating body
Electrode material	Platinum
Wire diameter	Ø0.5 mm
Exposed wire length	230 mm
Spiral (spring) diameter	About Ø4 mm (manufacturer data)
Approx. geometric area (π·d·L)	≈3.6 cm² (if all exposed wire is immersed)
Salt bridge model	PT052300
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	Platinum wire is thin and fragile; do not stretch the spring or bend the wire repeatedly. A broken wire cannot be repaired
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)

Available Options

Model	Description
PT0523 Ø0.5 × 230 mm	Exposed wire: Ø0.5 × 230 mm
PT052300 Salt Bridge Ø0.5 × 230 mm	With salt bridge, exposed wire: Ø0.5 × 230 mm

For sizes and specifications not listed above, you can request a custom quotation through the Quote Form.

Applications

Counter electrode for bulk electrolysis and long measurements
Rotating disk / ring-disk electrode (RDE/RRDE) experiments
Three-electrode cells for voltammetry (CV, LSV)
Electrocatalyst characterization (mind the Pt dissolution caution)
Set-ups where counter electrode products must be kept from the main solution (salt bridge model)