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22.6: Types of Electroanalytical Methods

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    333398
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    In the next three chapters we will consider a variety of different interfacial electrochemical experiments; that is, experiments in which the redox reaction takes place at the surface of an electrode. Because electrochemistry is such a broad field, let’s use Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\) to organize these techniques by the experimental conditions we choose to use (Do we control the potential or the current? How do we change the applied potential or applied current? Do we stir the solution?) and the analytical signal we decide to measure (Current? Potential?).

    At the first level, we divide electrochemical techniques into static techniques and dynamic techniques. In a static technique we do not allow current to pass through the electrochemical cell and, as a result, the concentrations of all species remain constant. Potentiometry, in which we measure the potential of an electrochemical cell under static conditions, is one of the most important quantitative electrochemical methods and is discussed in Chapter 23.

    Dynamic techniques, in which we allow current to flow and force a change in the concentration of species in the electrochemical cell, comprise the largest group of interfacial electrochemical techniques. Coulometry, in which we measure current as a function of time, is covered Chapter 24. Voltammetry and amperometry, in which we measure current as a function of a fixed or variable potential, are the subjects of Chapter 25.

    Family tree that highlights the similarities and differences between a number of interfacial electrochemical techniques. The specific instrumental methods are shown in red, the experimental conditions are shown in blue, and the analytical signals are in green.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Family tree that highlights the similarities and differences between a number of interfacial electrochemical techniques. The specific instrumental methods are shown in red, the experimental conditions are shown in blue, and the analytical signals are in green.

    This page titled 22.6: Types of Electroanalytical Methods is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by David Harvey.

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