Flat plate corrosion cell (usually also known as flat plate electrolytic cell) is a commonly used experimental device in corrosion electrochemical research, and its cleanliness is crucial for experimental results, especially reproducibility. If not cleaned properly, residual pollutants can seriously affect the surface condition of the electrode and the purity of the electrolyte, leading to distortion of experimental data.

The following are detailed precautions for cleaning flat corrosion tanks, covering principles, steps, treatment methods for different situations, and safety instructions.

1、 Core principles

1. cleanThe goal is to achieve a cleanliness level of "analytical purity" for the inner walls (especially the parts in contact with the solution) and components of the corrosion pool, without any chemical residues, particulate matter, or biological contamination.

2. Avoid secondary pollutionThe cleaning agents, tools, and water used during the cleaning process cannot themselves become new sources of pollution.

3. Material compatibilitySuitable cleaning reagents must be selected based on the material of the corrosion pool (such as glass, quartz, polytetrafluoroethylene, polycarbonate, PMMA, etc.) to prevent corrosion or dissolution of the pool body.

4. Keep dryDrying after cleaning is the key to preventing water stains and microbial growth.

2、 Routine cleaning steps and precautions

This is a standard process that applies to most corrosion pools made of glass, quartz, or fluoropolymers.

Step 1: Initial cleaning immediately after the experiment

• Precautions：

• personal protectionWear appropriate clothingNitrile glovesGoggles and lab coats. The solution used in the last experiment may be corrosive or toxic.

• handle promptlyAfter the experiment is completed, the waste liquid should be discarded as soon as possible and cleaning should begin. After the solution dries up, it will be more difficult to clean.

• classified processingAccording to laboratory regulations, waste electrolyte should be used asChemical waste liquidHandle, do not pour directly into the sewer.

Step 2: Physical cleaning and rinsing

1. Pour over immediately after useDrain all solutions from the pool.

2. Massive flushing with running water: Use ordinary distilled water or deionized waterRepeatedly and extensivelyThe purpose of washing away most of the soluble residues inside and outside the ground flushing pool is to flush away them.

3. Soft brush cleaning: UsededicatedGently brush the inner walls, corners, and seals of the pool body with a soft bristled brush (such as a cow horn brush or nylon brush).AttentionAvoid using metal brushes or rough brushes to avoid scratching the inner wall of the tank, as scratches can become a place for dirt and grime to accumulate.

Step 3: Chemical cleaning (choose appropriate cleaning agent)

This is the most crucial step, which requires selecting a cleaning agent based on the properties of the pollutants from the previous experiment.

• General/inorganic residue：

• reagent: Dilutedaqua regiaorAcid pickling solution.

• applicableGlass and quartz pool body.Not applicableAny plastic material pool body.

• methodSoak for several hours until overnight (depending on the degree of contamination).Wangshui is corrosive and volatile, and must be operated in a fume hood with strict attention to safety!

• Organic pollutants (such as oils, fats, and electrolytic products of organic matter)：

• reagent：organic solvent(such as ethanol, acetone), dilutedSurfactant solution(such as laboratory dishwashing detergent), orHellmanexWaiting for specialized optical cleaning agents.

• applicableAll materials, but it should be noted that organic solvents may dissolve certain plastics (such as PMMA, polycarbonate), and compatibility needs to be confirmed first.

• methodSoak in the prepared cleaning solution or perform ultrasonic cleaning (if the tank can be placed in an ultrasonic cleaning machine).

• Difficult to dissolve salt deposits (such as calcium and magnesium salts)：

• reagentDilute hydrochloric acid or dilute nitric acid.

• applicable: Glass, quartz PTFE。 Avoid using it for other plastics.

• methodSoak for a short period of time until all bubbles are generated.

Step 4: Final Rinse

• Precautions：

• This is forRemove the cleaning agent itself.

• must useHigh purity deionized waterorultrapure waterPerform final rinsing.

• adoptA small amount multiple timesThe principle is to rinse the inner wall thoroughly with a small amount of water each time, then pour it out and repeat the processAt least 5-7 timesUntil no residual droplets or water droplets are visible to the naked eye (known as the "gecko effect", where water can evenly spread into a water film instead of forming water droplets).

• For experiments with high requirements, you can useHigh purity organic solvents (such as chromatographic grade methanol or ethanol)Perform a final rinse to aid in rapid drying and removal of trace amounts of moisture.

Step 5: Drying and Storage

1. drying method：

• air-dryingInvert the cleaned corrosion pool on a clean and dust-free rack, allowing it to evaporate and dry naturally. This is the most recommended method.

• blast drying: UseClean and oil-freeBlow compressed air or nitrogen inside and outside the tank to accelerate drying.

• Heating and dryingOnly after confirming the material of the tank body (such as glass, quartz) and the heat resistance of the sealing components, can it be dried in a low-temperature oven (such as 60 ° C).Most plastics and sealing rings are not heat-resistant and must not be baked.

2. store：

• After drying, it should be used immediatelyParafilmorplastic wrapSeal all openings to prevent dust from falling into the air.

• Store in a clean and dry cabinet.

3、 Special case handling

• Electrode hole and salt bridge interfaceThese small channels are prone to blockage and require repeated rinsing with a syringe to extract cleaning solution and pure water.

• Reference electrode salt bridgeIf the salt bridge solution (such as KCl) crystallizes, it can be soaked and dissolved in warm water before cleaning.

• Optical WindowIf the corrosion pool is equipped with an optical window for spectral measurement (such as a quartz window), its cleanliness requirements are higher. Be extra careful when cleaning to avoid scratching. Lens paper and optical cleaning agents can be used.

4、 Safety Summary

• personal protectionAlways wear itProtective goggles, gloves, and lab coats.

• improve air circulationWhen using strong acids, organic solvents, or cleaning agents that produce toxic gases,Be sure to do it in a fume hood.

• waste liquid treatmentAll cleaning waste liquids should be treated according toChemical waste liquidClassify and collect, handle properly.

In summary, cleaning the corrosion pool of the flat plate is a meticulous and important task. Establishing a standard operating procedure and strictly adhering to it is the fundamental guarantee for obtaining reliable and reproducible electrochemical corrosion data.