Australia's Science Forum

Hi everyone,

I need to order platinum metal (wire or rod) to be placed inside a U-tube for electrolysis experiment (Chem 12). Has anyone used this ? Do you know where to order this platinum?

Thanks and cheers,
Ana

Hi Ana
The last lot of platinum wire I bought I got through Science Supply. In their catalogue it is listed in the chemical section and is available from Ajax or Chem-Supply.

Cheers
Libby

We haven't done that experiment. Platinum wire costs a bomb, so can't imagine what "rod" would cost. Are you sure you have to do it?

can you use carbon rod - all you need is an inert electrode. short term you shouldn't get too much decay of the carbon

We use Pt wire and last LSL replacement was very pro-active, took the voltameter apart and and after washing the wire, he put the Pt wire in the jar with all other short bits of wire. I will pay anyone to separate Pt wire from nicrome or any silver shiny metal wire.
This should have gone in a "Whinge" section.
Lada

Thank you for the responses. We did use carbon rod but next time, my coordinator prefers platinum so I need to order one. I will try to get the wire from SSA.

Cheers,
Ana

Check to see if Nichrome wire is a viable substitute.

We used the platinum electrodes from an old voltameter, which fitted the u-tube (small) perfectly.

Hi All,

Platinum works the best here, and we all know that the precious metal costs all but..

Trick-of-the-trade, Shop around and phone before you order for the best price carefully as the metal fluctuates with the stock market. Remember (precious metal!!!)..

Cheers,

Robb.....

After knowing the cost ($170/10cm), my coordinator decided to use carbon!: )

What a surprise!