Originally using a rhodium-containing catalyst, an iridium-containing catalyst has replaced rhodium for the production of acetic acid as part of the Cativa process. It is also used in many objects such as in crucibles and other applications that require high temperatures, in electrical contacts, as a hardening agent for platinum, as a nib for fountain pens, and even jewelry. Because of its higher melting temperature, compared to palladium and gold, these plugs can provide a better performance than other plugs except for some ruthenium alloys. Its use in spark plugs that is anti-corrosive and heat-resistant providing longer lasting and seemingly care-free plugs. ApplicationsĮven though being one of the rarest elements in the earth, iridium does provide a good degree of functionality serving many purposes. It is also a by-product of the nickel mining process. Each is a different mixture of osmium and iridium. It occurs in nature uncombined, combined with platinum, or found in the natural alloys of osmiridium and iridosmine. Most acids do not cause damage due to its high corrosion-resistance. Its high hardness, brittleness, and high melting point (approximately 2500 degrees Celsius) make the metal difficult to work with or form. It has a silvery-white color resembling platinum and palladium. Iridium is part of the platinum group metals (PGMs). The name was chosen as Iris, personification of a rainbow, due to the diverse colors of its salts. Even though Tennant is credited with its discovery, a few French chemists had also claimed credit to discovery the element. It was found in the residue of platinum ores. Iridium was discovered in 1803 by Smithson Tennant. This was done by comparing the high metal occurrence found near the craters with chondritic meteorites and asteroids, which have a higher concentration than in the earth's crust. Being one of the rarest elements in the crust of the earth, iridium has been used to show a link between dinosaur extinction and impact craters.

It was discovered by scientist Smithson Tennant in 1803 and named after the Greek goddess Iris. It is the second densest metal next to Osmium. Its chemical symbol is Ir with an atomic number of 77. Iridium is a transition metal from the platinum group. Each is inspected to assure reproducible tip exposures and profile.Iridium is a platinum group metal and is one of the rarest metals on Earth. The additional insulation also minimizes signal attenuation making this an ideal electrode for deep brain penetrations.Īll of the microelectrodes are sharpened electrochemically and their tips are individually exposed under a microscope.

Gold-plated connector pins for superior electrical connectionsĪvailable with the addition of polymide tubing on the shaft which provides additional reinforcement for easy electrode insertion.

Select from 4 metals, 3 styles, and 4 tip profiles to meet almost any application.

Unique, precision manufacturing process provides consistent repeatable tip profiles for superior performance.

Outstanding for extracellular recording and micro-stimulation.

Consequently, it is much less likely to erode during stimulation and can be activated using cyclic voltametery for increased charge storage capacity to lower tip impedance values. It is extremely inert and very resistant to corrosion.

Pure Iridium is extremely stiff and has a much lower concomitant tip impedance than any other noble metal. The pure iridium Electrodes are ideal for improved stimulation and recording.

Iridium metals