State of charge analytical apparatus

摘要

An electrochemical apparatus for analyzing the zinc concentration in an aqueous zinc-halogen electrolyte is disclosed. The electrochemical apparatus includes a working electrode and an auxiliary electrode both in contact with the electrolyte to be analyzed, a reference electrode in contact with an aqueous zinc-halogen electrolyte of a predetermined concentration, and means for permitting the electrolyte to be analyzed to contact the electrolyte of predetermined concentration. The apparatus also includes circuit means for applying electrical power to the working and auxiliary electrodes for a first predetermined time period sufficient to deposit zinc metal onto the working electrode, and for measuring a potential difference across the reference and working electrodes indicative of the concentration of the electrolyte to be analyzed during a second predetermined time period. A suitable chamber means may also be provided for containing at least the portion of the electrolyte to be analyzed, with the working and auxiliary electrodes mounted in the chamber means such that they are in contact with the electrolyte within the chamber means. Similarly, vessel means may be provided for containing a supply of the electrolyte of a predetermined concentration, with the reference electrode and the vessel means associated such that the reference electrode is in contact with the electrolyte of a predetermined concentration. The vessel means is formed with liquid junction means for permitting the electrolyte of a predetermined concentration to contact the electrolyte to be analyzed within the chamber means. The analytical method according to the present invention includes the steps of applying electrical power to the working and auxiliary electrodes for a first predetermined time period sufficient to deposit zinc metal onto the working electrode, and measuring the potential difference across the reference and working electrodes during a second predetermined time period.