Spinel NiFe2O4 based solid state embeddable reference electrode for corrosion monitoring of reinforced concrete structures

•Solid state reference electrodes were fabricated using synthesized NiFe2O4.•Potential stability of SSRE was studied in alkaline medium.•Half cell potential of fabricated SSRE was characterized through the CV.•Suitability of SSREs for corrosion monitoring of RC were studied.

In this study, solid state embeddable reference electrode was fabricated and examined for their potential stability in high alkaline environment for the application of corrosion monitoring in reinforced concrete structure. Further, the fabricated solid state reference electrodes (SSREs) were studied in the presence and absence of chloride ion in aqueous solution in order to ensure their potential stability. The results showed that the fabricated SSRE gave stable potential in alkaline medium even in the presence of chloride ions. Steel rebar corrosion assessment studies were carried out in alkaline solution and real concrete medium using the fabricated SSRE and the results were compared with conventional saturated calomel electrode (SCE). The results indicate that the fabricated SSREs have the ability to differentiate the passive and active state of steel rebar similar to SCE.

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