Why Copper–Silver Electrodes Are Stronger Than Gold–Silver

Primary Reason: 

Metal Pairing Voltage

• As you now know, copper–silver creates a ~0.46 V potential, and both metals participate actively in redox reactions.

• Gold–silver, despite a higher theoretical EMF (0.70 V), generates much less current because gold is inert and resists electron exchange.

The Effect of Electrode Size and Surface Area

Surface area affects:

• Contact with skin and fluids

• Amount of ionic exchange

• Field distribution

Smaller electrodes (like Sakamura Magrain pellets) create:

• More focused, shallow stimulation

• Less effective current transfer over time

• More subtle, neuromodulatory effects

Larger electrodes (like copper ink patches) allow:

• Greater ionic movement

• Deeper penetration of the electric field

• More pronounced physiological effect (especially for pain or detox)