What is clarke electrode?

The Clarke electrode is a type of electrode used to measure the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid or gas sample. It is also known as a membrane-covered electrode or a membrane-covered oxygen electrode. The electrode consists of a cathode and an anode that are separated by a thin, selectively permeable membrane.

The membrane is typically made of a hydrophobic material, such as Teflon or polyethylene, that allows oxygen to pass through while blocking other gases and liquids. The cathode is made of silver or platinum, while the anode is typically made of lead or gold. When oxygen diffuses through the membrane, it is reduced at the cathode, generating an electrical current in the process.

Clarke electrodes are commonly used in applications such as wastewater treatment, aquaculture, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostics. They offer several advantages over other oxygen measurement techniques, including high sensitivity, fast response time, and low maintenance requirements. However, they can be affected by factors such as temperature, pH, and salinity, which can affect the permeability of the membrane and cause measurement errors.