The Ag/AgCl reference electrode is a simple construction: a silver wire coated with AgCl, immersed in a chloride-containing filling solution. As long as the chloride concentration stays constant, its potential stays constant, so in a three-electrode cell you measure the working electrode potential against this fixed point. In this product the filling is saturated KCl. It contains no mercury and is the most common choice in neutral aqueous electrolytes, which is why it is seen as a practical alternative to the SCE.

Where chloride would cause problems (chloride-sensitive corrosion, halide-affected electrocatalysis), choose the double salt bridge or double junction models. In acidic or alkaline solutions a salt bridge protects the electrode; for concentrated KOH/NaOH, Hg/HgO is the more appropriate reference. In organic electrolytes, use an Ag/Ag⁺ type electrode instead of an aqueous Ag/AgCl.

Key Features

Saturated KCl filling: about +0.197 V vs. SHE at 25 °C in aqueous systems
Mercury-free; a practical alternative to the SCE
Suited to neutral aqueous electrolytes; a salt bridge is recommended in acidic or alkaline solutions
Double salt bridge (R8060) and double junction models help limit chloride and silver transfer
Brown-glass, light-shielded models (R1038K, R1060K)
PEEK-body options (PK-1020, PK-1038) for setups that call for a polymer body instead of glass
Standard and long length options (R1038, R1060)

Technical Specifications

Electrode type	Ag/AgCl reference electrode (electrode of the second kind in chloride electrolyte)
Internal filling solution	Saturated KCl (standard glass models)
Potential (vs. SHE, 25 °C)	+0.197 V (saturated KCl); +0.207 to 0.210 V (3 M KCl); +0.236 V (1 M KCl)
Temperature effect	About −0.7 to −1 mV/°C; keep the temperature constant or report it for precise work
Suitable media	Neutral aqueous electrolytes; typical use up to about 80–100 °C (depends on model and body material)
Acidic / alkaline media	Use with a salt bridge; in alkaline media a porous glass junction can degrade over time. For concentrated KOH/NaOH prefer Hg/HgO
Chloride and silver interference	Chloride (and a little silver) slowly leaks from the electrode; in chloride-sensitive systems use a double junction model or a chloride-free bridge
Junction clogging	KClO₄ can precipitate in perchlorate-containing electrolytes; ions such as Ag⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ can precipitate with chloride and block the junction. Br⁻, I⁻, CN⁻ and S²⁻ also form insoluble salts with Ag⁺
Organic solvents	An aqueous Ag/AgCl is not directly suitable; choose an Ag/Ag⁺ electrode for non-aqueous systems
Storage and care	Never let the tip dry out; store in saturated KCl solution, not in deionized water. Rinse with pure water after use
Body	Glass (clear or brown) or PEEK (PK series); R8060 is a double salt bridge design
Use	Fixed reference point for voltammetry and EIS in three-electrode cells

Available Options

Model	Description
R1038	Standard model
R1060 Standard	Standard length
R1060 Long	Extended length
R8060 Double Salt Bridge	Double salt bridge design
PK-1020 PEEK Body	PEEK body model
PK-1038 PEEK Body	PEEK body model
R1038K Light-Shielded	Brown glass body, light-shielded
R1060K Light-Shielded	Brown glass body, light-shielded
Double Junction	Double junction design

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

Applications

CV, LSV and EIS measurements in neutral aqueous electrolytes
Electrocatalysis studies (HER, OER, ORR) in aqueous media
Corrosion and surface treatment tests (where chloride is acceptable; otherwise use a double junction model)
Three-electrode testing of materials for aqueous batteries and supercapacitors
Potential reference in acidic or alkaline solutions when used with a salt bridge