Reference electrode's use in the analysis of battery performance and operation

Abstract

Most battery researchers are aware of the use of reference electrodes as an analytical tool and many technical papers have been published on the subject detailing both the methodology and principles for their use. However, beyond those who work in the laboratory, many people in the battery field are not familiar with the subtleties of this technology nor its capabilities. This paper is offered as a general overview of the subject of the application and use of reference electrodes. The basic principle of the reference, or third electrode, are discussed followed by their application to the study of both the charge and discharge reactions in lead acid batteries.