These compact, glass-bodied reference electrodes are available in two styles. The 7.5 cm long RE-5B reference electrode is used for electrochemistry experiments and is compatible with the C-3 Cell Stand, the CGME Controlled Growth Mercury Electrode Cell Stand, and the RDE-2 Rotating Disk Electrode Cell Stand. The RE-6 reference electrode (3 cm) is designed for use with the Electrochemical Flow Cell. All electrodes have a 6 mm OD glass body, and use a porous junction (frit) made from a ceramic material (RE-6) or CoralPor™ (RE-5B). (Note that, due to the high resistance of the ceramic frit, the RE-6 electrode is only recommended for aqueous electrolytes.)

Connection to the cell lead is via a gold-plated pin on the end of a flexible plastic-coated wire (RE-5B and RE-6) An O-ring is included with each electrode. Between uses, reference electrodes should be stored with junction tips in a QVMR5275 vial filled with 3M KCl.

A double junction reference electrode can be set up using an RE-5B reference electrode with the glass chamber QVMF2030. This chamber also has a CoralPor™ frit, which must be maintained.

For the RE-5B (QVMF2056): Take a razor blade and cut from the top of the clear heat shrink towards the CoralPor. The CoralPor tip will come off once the heat shrink has been completely cut. The easiest way to remove the solution is to shake the electrode. Rinse the electrode with 3M KCl and fill with 3M KCl as well, I have found that a syringe and needle works best here to get the solution in that tiny hole at the tip. To get the CoralPor and heat shrink back on you will have to use a heat gun (or a hair dryer will work). Place the CoralPor in the heat shrink and then place the heat shrink over the tip of the electrode. When you are heating the heat shrink you will want to use something to hold the CoralPor in place because the CoralPor can be pushed away from the glass tip during this process. You will also want to be twisting the electrode so that you get even heat on the heat shrink. Once you have the heat shrink on tightly you can use a razor blade to trim any excess heat shrink that is extending out beyond the face of the CoralPor. The electrode will then need to be soaked in the 3M KCl storage solution for about 30 minutes to wet it before it is ready for use.