The Ag/Ag⁺ electrode is a reference electrode in which a silver wire is immersed in a non-aqueous electrolyte solution containing a silver salt (typically AgNO₃). When the solution is prepared in the same solvent as the measured solution, water and chloride are kept out of the cell, and the precipitation problems that aqueous electrodes cause at the frit are reduced. It is widely used in aprotic solvents (acetonitrile, DMF, DMSO, propylene carbonate).

Its potential depends on the solvent, the Ag⁺ concentration and the electrolyte, and has no single value vs. SHE. To make results comparable, add the ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc⁺) couple as an internal reference in every experiment and report potentials against it (IUPAC recommendation).

Key Features

Designed for organic (non-aqueous) solvent systems; does not carry water or chloride into the cell
Glass body; slim (3.8 mm, model 4038) and wider (6.0 mm, model 4060) options
Typical filling: 0.01 M AgNO₃ + 0.1 M TBAP in acetonitrile (solvent and electrolyte can be matched to the measured solution)
Avoids the frit precipitation and water contamination problems that aqueous reference electrodes cause in non-aqueous solutions
Suited to calibration with a ferrocene internal reference

Technical Specifications

Electrode type	Ag/Ag⁺ reference electrode (for non-aqueous systems)
Typical internal solution	0.001–0.01 M AgNO₃ (or AgClO₄) plus a supporting electrolyte such as 0.1 M TBAP, in acetonitrile, DMF, DMSO or propylene carbonate
Suitable media	Organic (non-aqueous) solution systems; using the same solvent and supporting electrolyte as the measured solution reduces the junction potential
Solvent choice	Acetonitrile is recommended for the positive potential region and DMSO for the negative region; purify the solvent thoroughly before use
Potential	Depends on solvent, Ag⁺ concentration and electrolyte; there is no single value vs. SHE. Calibrate with the Fc/Fc⁺ internal reference in every experiment
Junction tip	If a porous glass tip dries, salt crystallizes, cracks the tip and causes leakage; never let it dry out completely
Air bubbles	An air bubble trapped in the narrow glass section interrupts the current; tap the electrode gently to remove it
Storage and care	Replace the silver-ion solution with plain supporting electrolyte (e.g. 0.1 M TBAP/acetonitrile) and store in a closed container; renew the Ag⁺ solution frequently according to use
Silver wire	Polish with fine abrasive paper and rinse with pure water and acetone before use
Body material	Glass
Body diameter	3.8 mm (4038) / 6.0 mm (4060)

Available Options

Model	Description
4038	3.8 mm diameter glass body
4060	6.0 mm diameter glass body

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

Applications

Voltammetry (CV, LSV) in organic electrolytes
Non-aqueous electrochemistry research and redox potential determination
Three-electrode studies of battery materials in aprotic solvent electrolytes
Reporting potentials that are comparable across solvents through ferrocene calibration