Electrolytic apparatus having a stable reference electrode and method of operating such apparatus

摘要

Electrolytic apparatus employing a reference electrode, e.g. an electrochromic display of the type employing potentiostatic control of write or erase operations, has at least one reference electrode on which a predetermined coating thickness of electrochromic or other electrodepositable material is maintained or replenished by intermittent connection of the electrode to a source of write current. Such a coated reference electrode has a stable potential with respect to the solution which is necessary for potentiostatic control. Two such reference electrodes may be used alternately such that one is being erased and rewritten while the other is connected as a reference.