New GHL Platinum Conductivity Proble with black stain on the pads.

[VeL]

Hello,
Today I finally had some time to install my platinum conductivity proble that came with the GHL P3ex Mega Pack. Upon removing the cylinder with the gel and cleaning the probe in a can of RO/DI water, I noticed that the inner part of the platinum pads is covered with black dust-like substance that leave black coal-like stain on the cloth i used to dry the probe. Is it supposed to be like that or the inner side of the platinum pads should be silverish instead? Should I clean it with vinegar or dip it in a vinegar? I've read somewhere that it can be cleaned with a toothbrush but I am afraid that could damage this expensive piece of equipment.
On a side note, the probe has been purchased like 10 months ago and on the quality certificate it states "date of delivery 10.11.2012". The probe hasn't been used since it was purchased. Thanks in advance.

P.S.
Is it okay for the probe to stay dry until cleaned or should I put it back in the gel container?

 

[AQD_ottawa]

this is normal platinum leaves a residue when rubbed

 

[VeL]

this is normal platinum leaves a residue when rubbed

But the pads are completely black (not silver) on the inner side and definitely not looking platinum but more like a piece of coal, is it supposed to be this way? Does it mean that no cleaning is needed and I can start calibrating it?

 

[Matthias Gross]

Hi

I would really be surprised if it was not platinum - we don't have other cond. electrodes.

I think you should calibrate it and use it. Make a recalibration in a few days to check it.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

As above this is normal, platinum probes use Platinum oxide, not the shiny stuff we all know and try and not tell our wives about!

Platinum black is widely used as a thin film covering solid platinum metal, forming platinum electrodes for applications in electrochemistry. The process of covering platinum electrodes with such a layer of platinum black is called "platinization of platinum". The platinized platinum has a true surface area much higher than the geometrical surface area of the electrode and, therefore, exhibits catalytic action superior to that of shiny platinum.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinum_black

 

[VeL]

As above this is normal, platinum probes use Platinum oxide, not the shiny stuff we all know and try and not tell our wives about!

Platinum black is widely used as a thin film covering solid platinum metal, forming platinum electrodes for applications in electrochemistry. The process of covering platinum electrodes with such a layer of platinum black is called "platinization of platinum". The platinized platinum has a true surface area much higher than the geometrical surface area of the electrode and, therefore, exhibits catalytic action superior to that of shiny platinum.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinum_black

Thanks! I wasn't implying that it is not platinum. It just stayed unused for quite some time and thought that was a problem.