Standard Hydrogen Electrode

Definition:
The standard hydrogen electrode, is a redox electrode and its standard electrode potential is
declared to be 0 at a temperature of 298K. This is because it acts as a reference for comparison with any
other electrode.

The half cell reaction of SHE can be written as follows:

2H+ (aq) + 2e– → H2 (g)
Principle:
Oxidation-reduction
Working:
• A platinum electrode is covered in finely powdered platinum black (platinized platinum
electrode).
• A hydrogen blow.
• A solution of acid having an H+ molarity of 1 mole per cubic decimeter (If the activity of
the H+ is 1 mol/l (pH=0) and H2 gas is bubbled into the solution so that partial pressure
of hydrogen is 1 atm, the electrode potential is defined as zero volts at any
temperature: E0=0.000 V).
• A hydroseal which is used to prevent the interference of oxygen.
• The other half-cell of the entire Galvanic cell must be attached to the Standard
Hydrogen Electrode through a reservoir in order to create an ionically conductive path.
This can be done through a direct connection, through a narrow tube, or even through
the use of a salt bridge.
Diagram:
Advantages:

• Standard hydrogen electrode is used as a primary reference electrode to know the

standard electrode potentials (relative) of elements and other electrodes.
• Its electrode potential can be taken as zero as very small potential is developed on
hydrogen electrode.
• It can act as anode half cell and cathode half cell as well.
Disadvantages
• Difficult to transport, construct and maintain.

• Difficult to get pure hydrogen gas and maintain the pressure of hydrogen gas and
concentration of the acid solution taken such as HCl.

• Generally, impurities in hydrogen and HCl spoil ideal platinum electrodes and reduce the
life of standard hydrogen electrodes.