Carbonized rubber electrodes can cause a DC-offset in transcranial alternating current stimulation

Introduction Carbonized rubber electrodes are widely used in non-invasive brain stimulation studies. Due to their polarizable nature, however, they can cause a voltage offset, which might be problematic for concurrent EEG studies. Objective In this study, we aim to describe the voltage offset and ensure that the offset does not alter the intended waveform of applied stimulation. Methods Using data from 2 human studies and phantom measurements, which employed carbonized rubber electrodes, we quantify the magnitude and frequency of DC-offsets and contrast this against pilot-measurements using Ag/AGCl-electrodes. In a further phantom study, we record the offset-voltage that arises from the electrode/electrolyte interface and compare this to the voltage put out by the stimulation device. Results A non-zero voltage offset is present in all human and phantom studies employing carbonized rubber electrodes, while the offset using Ag/AgCl electrodes is close to zero. Direct measurements of the stimulator output in the presence of a measurable voltage offset at the stimulation electrodes shows that the offset originates from the electrodes and not from the current provided by the stimulation device. Conclusion Using carbonized rubber-electrodes for stimulation can result in the emergence of a measurable voltage offset, due to their polarizable nature. We argue that this offset can be problematic in concurrent EEG recordings, as they pose the risk of amplifier saturation and distortions of the recorded stimulation waveform.