Our graphite counter electrode is produced using imported high-purity graphite, which is easy to use. At the same time, the electrode can be designed according to your electrochemical experiment requirements.
Key Features of Graphite Counter Electrode
High Electrical Conductivity
Graphite is an excellent electrical conductor, suitable as counter electrodes. It allows electrons to move more easily across the electrode during electrochemical reactions. This translates well to energy storage applications where stable performance is a must.
Corrosion Resistance
Graphite is very corrosive resistant. This is especially important in an electrochemical cell when the counter electrode may encounter aggressive chemicals or harsh environments. Its resistance to corrosion assures long life (no erosion of performance over time).
Durability and Stability
Another benefit is the structural robustness of the material at high temperatures and mechanical load. In contrast, graphite counter electrodes are extremely stable and can operate for long periods of time without wear or change. Their durability makes them perfect for long-term applications.
Chemical Inertness
In most electrochemical settings, graphite is chemically inert, allowing it to coexist safely with the electrolyte and other components in the system. This trait preserves the purity of the electrochemical reactions and avoids extraneous side reactions that would degrade the device’s efficiency.
Cost-Effectiveness
Graphite is also a much cheaper material than platinum or gold. And, being less expensive than other options, this is a more cost-effective solution for use cases where budget is a concern.
Easy to Manufacture and Shape
Graphite chose as pencil, flat plates, rods, or powder and possesses malleability. This adaptability enables it to be tailored to a diversity of electrochemical systems. And because they’re simple to manufacture, production costs remain low.
Uses of Graphite Counter Electrodes
Batteries
Graphite counter electrodes are crucial components in batteries, specifically lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, where they participate in the electrochemical reaction. They aid in maintaining the equilibrium of electrons, allowing for optimal energy storage and release. These demanding environments require a material that performs well at high temperatures, and this is where the conductivity and stability of graphite come into play.
Fuel Cells
Fuel cells use electrochemical reactions to produce electricity from fuels such as hydrogen. Finally, the graphite counter electrode acts as a pathway through which electrons flow to complete a circuit. The former quality is especially relevant in this case because fuel cells typically work at high-temperature and high-pressure.
Electrolysis Systems
Electrolysis systems generate chemicals or gasses using graphite counter electrode. In these processes, the counter or auxiliary electrode must close the circuit and transfer electrons from the working electrode to the external circuit. This allows maintaining electrochemical reactions efficiently, hastening, and improving it. Graphite is also chemically inert which helps to avoid side reactions during electrolysis. This reduces the amount of energy used to manufacture chemicals, gasses and byproducts.
Graphite’s durability and stability at higher temperatures, as well as in extreme conditions, extend the lifespan of electrolysis systems, making it a reliable option for electrochemical businesses. To improve electrolysis efficiency (e.g., by minimizing the number of electron-hole pair generation in reaction solutions), auxiliary electrodes (i.e., graphite counter electrodes) are supplemented to maintain electron flow. In addition, graphite counter electrode can also used in the electroplating process.
Electrochemical Sensors
Graphite ECS have a variety of applications including the fabrication of sensors (e.g., glucose or environmental sensors). Contrarily, in these applications, the counter electrode interacts with the working electrode to identify specific registered species through current variations. It is a stable and cost-effective material that is very suitable for mass-producing our sensor device.