BM 502 Microcontrollers and Bioelectronics

Module 5: Introduction to Bioelectronics

SOLID ELECTROLYTE JUNCTIONS:

ELECTRODE-ELECTROLYTIC INTERFACES

Veena Mitra
Enrollment number: MITU18BTBI0031
TY Bioengineering
 CONTENTS

1) Introduction
2) Electrode-Electrolyte interface
3) Half-cell reaction
4) Polarizable and non-polarizable electrodes
5) Electrode behavior and circuit model
  In order to measure and record potentials
INTRODUCTION (currents) in the body, Electrode-
Electrolyte interface is provided between
the body and the electronic measuring
apparatus.
 Bio potential electrode is a transducer that
converts the ionic current in the body to
electronic current flowing in the electrode.
 Current in the body is carried by ions
,whereas it is carried by electrons in the
electrodes and lead wires.
 Electrodes change an ionic current into an
electronic current.
 A net current (I) that crosses the interface
ELECTRODE- passing from the electrode to electrolyte consists
ELECTROLYTE INTERFACE of:
1. Electron(e-) moving in opposite direction of
current in electrode
I 2. Cations(C+) moving in same direction of
current in electrolyte
C 3. Anions(A-) moving in opposite direction of
e- A-
C+ current in electrolyte
C
Electrode consists of metallic atom C
C Electrolyte consists of cations C+ and anions A-
Electrode Electrolyte
 HALF-CELL REACTION
Oxidation reaction causes atom to lose electron.
Reduction reaction causes atom to gain electron.

Oxidation is dominant when current flow is from electrode to electrolyte.

Reduction is dominant when current flow is from electrolyte to electrode.
 POLARIZABLE AND NON-
POLARIZABLE ELECTRODES
PERFECTLY POLARIZABLE
ELECTRODE
• No charge crosses the electrode-electrolyte
interface when current is applied.
• Current across interface is displacement
current.
• These type of electrodes behave like a
capacitor.
• Example: Platinum electrode
Platinum electrode used in Stimulation.
PERFECTLY NON-POLARIZABLE
ELECTRODE
• Current passes freely across the electrode-
electrolyte interface.
• No energy required to make the transition of
current
• No overpotentials are seen in these types of
electrode
• Example : Ag/AgCl Electrode
Ag/AgCl Electrode used in recording.
ELECTRODE BEHAVIOR
AND CIRCUIT MODEL

 Rd and Cd make up the

impedance (total resistance in
circuit) associated with
electrode-electrolyte interface
and polarization effects.
 Rs is associated with interface
effects and due to resistance in
the electrolyte.
 Ehc is the half cell potential.