What is the Difference Between Polarizable and Non Polarizable Electrode?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between polarizable and non-polarizable electrodes lies in their charge separation and response to current flow. Here are the key differences:
- Polarizable Electrodes:
- Characterized by charge separation at the electrode-electrolyte boundary.
- Electrically equivalent to a capacitor.
- The potential of the electrode can change significantly from its equilibrium potential when a current is passed through it.
- Examples include platinum electrodes.
- Non-Polarizable Electrodes:
- Characterized by no charge separation at the electrode-electrolyte boundary.
- Electrically equivalent to a short.
- The potential of the electrode does not change materially from its equilibrium potential when a current is passed through it.
- Examples include Ag/AgCl electrodes.
In summary, polarizable electrodes exhibit charge separation and can be represented by a capacitor in an equivalent circuit, while non-polarizable electrodes do not exhibit charge separation and can be represented by a short in an equivalent circuit.
Comparative Table: Polarizable vs Non Polarizable Electrode
Polarizable and non-polarizable electrodes are two major types of electrodes found in electrochemistry. Here is a table summarizing the differences between them:
| Property | Polarizable Electrode | Non-Polarizable Electrode |
|---|---|---|
| Charge Separation | Yes, charge separation occurs at the electrode-electrolyte interface | No, the electrode does not exhibit charge separation |
| Faradic Current | Faradic current can be limited or hindered | Faradic current can flow freely without polarization |
| Potential Change | The potential of a polarizable electrode changes from its equilibrium potential upon the application of current. Real examples include platinum and stainless steel electrodes | The potential of a non-polarizable electrode does not change from its equilibrium potential upon the application of current. The main example is the silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrode |
| Ideal Behavior | The ideal polarizable electrode behaves like a capacitor and only capacitive current flows upon a change of potential | The ideal non-polarizable electrode behaves as an electrical short and has an almost infinite exchange current density |
Polarizable electrodes are commonly used in various electrochemical applications, while non-polarizable electrodes are used for specific applications where stable potential and low interference are required.
- Polar vs Nonpolar
- Anodic vs Cathodic Polarization
- Polarography vs Voltammetry
- Polar vs Nonpolar Solvents
- Electrode vs Electrolyte
- Polarised vs Non Polarised Cells
- Electropositive vs Electronegative
- Electronegativity vs Polarity
- Polar vs Nonpolar Covalent Bonds
- Polarizability vs Dipole Moment
- Polar vs Dipolar Molecules
- Active vs Inert Electrodes
- Ionomers vs Polyelectrolytes
- Depolarization vs Hyperpolarization
- Electrode Potential vs Cell Potential
- Polar vs Nonpolar Amino Acids
- Electrophoretic Deposition vs Electrodeposition
- Covalent vs Polar Covalent
- Indicator Electrode vs Reference Electrode