Reference electrode for electrochemical measurements at high temperatures

A reference electrode for use at high temperatures comprising:

• a tubular enclosure inert to temperatures above 900° C. having an open proximal end and a closed distal end, wherein said closed distal end comprises a junction for ionic conduction between the reference electrode and a working electrode;
• a non-porous insulating ceramic rod fused to said opening at said closed distal end to form micro-cracks between said ceramic rod and said enclosure at said junction;
• an electrolyte disposed inside of said enclosure, said electrolyte comprising potassium chloride (KCl);
• a sealing means for sealing said enclosure at said proximal end;
• and
• an electrical lead disposed in said electrolyte in said enclosure and extending through said sealing means at the proximal end of said enclosure.

A reference electrode for use at high temperatures comprising:

• a tubular enclosure having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said distal end comprises a junction for ionic conduction between the reference electrode and a working electrode;
• a non-porous insulating ceramic rod sealingly connected to said distal end of said enclosure to form micro-cracks between said ceramic rod and said enclosure at said junction;
• an electrolyte disposed inside of said enclosure, said electrolyte comprising an alkaline metal salt;
• a sealing means for sealing said enclosure at said proximal end;
• and
• an electrical lead disposed in said electrolyte in said enclosure and extending through said sealing means at the proximal end of said enclosure, wherein the electrical lead is composed of silver.

A reference electrode for use at high temperatures comprising:

• a tubular enclosure inert to temperatures above 900° C. having an open proximal end and a closed distal end, wherein said closed distal end comprises a junction for ionic conduction between the reference electrode and a working electrode;
• a non-porous insulating ceramic rod fused to said opening at said closed distal end to form micro-cracks between said ceramic rod and said enclosure at said junction;
• an electrolyte disposed inside of said enclosure, said electrolyte comprising an alkaline metal salt;
• a sealing means for sealing said enclosure at said proximal end;
• and
• an electrical lead disposed in said electrolyte in said enclosure and extending through said sealing means at the proximal end of said enclosure, wherein the electrical lead is composed of tungsten.