What is the role of silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) quasi-reference electrodes (QREs) in electrochemical measurements under gamma radiation for corrosion studies?

Silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) quasi-reference electrodes (QREs) are used in electrochemical measurements to monitor corrosion processes in environments exposed to gamma radiation. These electrodes are advantageous for low-volume experiments and avoid issues related to junction obstruction that can occur with full half-cell reference electrodes (REs). They are particularly important for studying the corrosion behavior of metals in nuclear waste storage applications, where gamma radiation can alter corrosion mechanisms and rates.

Ag/AgCl QREs are used to provide reliable and stable measurements of electrochemical corrosion processes under gamma radiation. They enable precise, low-volume electrochemical measurements and are suitable for monitoring corrosion in confined environments. The study demonstrates that these QREs are stable for at least 33 days under gamma radiation exposure, making them a viable alternative to mercury-based electrodes for in-situ electrochemical corrosion measurements in nuclear-related applications.