BASi PK-4 Polishing Kit

The electron transfer kinetics, and hence the current response, of redox-active species can be dramatically affected by the condition of the surface of the working electrode. Pretreatment of the electrode surface may therefore be necessary in order to obtain reproducible results.

Wiping or rinsing the electrode surface with water and/or methanol, followed by air drying, may be sufficient to remove adsorbed species and restore the working electrode to prime condition. Otherwise, polishing may be required, using the alumina and diamond polishes and the polishing pads of the PK-4 polishing kit. Thorough rinsing is required after polishing. In addition, electrodes polished using 0.05 µm alumina should be ultrasonically cleaned in deionized water for a few minutes, in order to remove any residual alumina. The progression of polishing should always proceed from coarse to fine materials, with thorough rinsing and a change of pads between each step. Fabric pads (attached to glass plates) are the substrates upon which the polish suspensions are applied.

For more information about electrode polishing and other methods of electrode pretreatment, see "Practical Problems in Voltammetry 4: Preparation of Working Electrodes", A.W. Bott, Current Separations, 16 (1997) 79.

Features

• Renew and recycle valuable working electrodes
• Use for all types of working electrodes, including microelectrodes
• Four grades of diamond and alumina polish
• Variety of polishing pads with secure, self-adhesive backs
• Detailed, illustrated instruction manual

Specifications