溶液系電気化学における参照電極概論

Abstract

異なる相が接触した界面には、基本的に電位差が生じています。電極と電解液の界面も同じで、電池の起電力はこのような電位差（電極電位）の組みあわせに支配されます。電解反応や電池の充電反応は、外部電源により電極電位を変化させることで進行します。電気化学を理解する上でポイントとなる、この電極電位をモニターするツールが参照電極です。本講演では溶液系電気化学で使われる参照電極を概観するとともに、演者の経験を踏まえた使用上の注意点を述べます。

Electric potential difference is basically developed between two different phases in contact with each other. A similar potential difference called electrode potential is also appeared at every electrode-electrolyte interface and, for instance, electromotive forces of batteries are primarily governed by the combination of such potential differences. Electrolysis and battery charging are progressed by shifting the electrode potential with the help of external power supply. A reference electrode is an electrode to monitor, or define, such electrode potential important in electrochemistry. In this lecture, the basics and examples of reference electrodes used in aqueous solution-based electrochemistry are presented based on the experience of the speaker.