A Systematic Approach on Calibration Reference Electrode to Reversible Hydrogen Electrode Scale

Abstract The accuracy of the reference electrode potential is critical in electrochemical studies. This work studies the approach to calibrate reference electrodes experimentally to the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) scale in an acidic condition. Multiple working electrodes are used while varying rotation rates, scan ranges, and scan rates to demonstrate how the calibration process will affect the calibrated RHE values of reference electrodes. It is recommended to rotate the working electrode for RHE scale calibration. The cyclic voltammetry potential range is suggested to be within ±0.01 V from 0 V versus RHE to minimize errors in the analysis. The scan rate of cyclic voltammetry for RHE scale calibration is no more than 10 mV/s. This experimental practice aims to benefit the standardization of experimental reference electrode calibration in the electrochemical field.