This guide will walk you through the procedures for cleaning and activating platinum electrodes to restore their electrochemical performance.
Required Materials:
Piranha solution
10% nitric acid in deionized water
- Concentrated hydrochloric acid
- Deionized water
- Ultrasonic cleaner
- Glass beakers
- Clean, lint-free tissue
Step 1: Piranha Solution Soak
- Fully immerse the platinum electrode in freshly prepared Piranha solution.
- Soaking time: 1–3 hours depending on the level of contamination.
- After soaking, carefully remove the electrode and blot dry with clean, lint-free paper.
- Immediately rinse and soak the electrode in deionized water for 10–30 minutes.
- Remove again and dry with clean tissue.
Step 2: 10% Nitric Acid Soak
- Soak the electrode in a fresh 10% nitric acid solution prepared with deionized water.
- Soaking time: 2–3 hours depending on contamination.
- After soaking, blot dry with clean tissue and soak again in deionized water for 10–30 minutes.
- Remove and dry thoroughly.
Step 3: Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid Soak
- Fully immerse the electrode in fresh concentrated hydrochloric acid.
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Choose soaking time based on cleaning objective:
- Light cleaning: 5–10 minutes
- Removal of metal ion contamination: 20–30 minutes (extend if necessary)
- High-precision preparation: 30 minutes + final rinse with ultrapure water
- After soaking, blot dry with clean tissue and soak again in deionized water for 10–30 minutes.
- Remove and dry thoroughly.
Step 4: Ultrasonic Cleaning
- Place the electrode in an ultrasonic cleaner filled with deionized water.
- Ultrasonic time: 15 minutes.
- This step helps dislodge impurities from surface pores or fine scratches.
- After cleaning, remove the electrode and allow it to air-dry in a clean, well-ventilated area.
Important Notes
- Always perform acid-handling procedures in a fume hood, wearing gloves, lab coat, and safety goggles.
- Cleaned electrodes should be dried immediately to prevent corrosion or degradation.
- Use at your own risk — Piranha solution is extremely dangerous and not recommended for untrained users.