Q. What is standard electrode potentials of lanthanides?

The standard electrode potentials of lanthanides for the half reaction

Ln³⁺ (aq) + 3e ----------------> Ln (s)

are given in table. The electrode potentials are very low. Thus, these elements are highly electropositive and reactive metals. The electrode potential increases from Ce to Lu, which is consistent with the slight, reduce in the ionic radius due to lanthanide contraction. The electrode potentials of the actinide elements also are quite low. Thus, the actinides also are highly electropositive and reactive metals.