In voltammetry we apply a time-dependent potential to an electrochemical cell and measure the resulting current as a function of that potential. We call the resulting plot of current versus applied po...In voltammetry we apply a time-dependent potential to an electrochemical cell and measure the resulting current as a function of that potential. We call the resulting plot of current versus applied potential a voltammogram, and it is the electrochemical equivalent of a spectrum in spectroscopy, providing quantitative and qualitative information about the species involved in the oxidation or reduction reaction.
The first important voltammetric technique to be developed—polarography—uses the dropping mercury (DME) electrode as the working electrode. In polarography, as in linear sweep voltammetry, we vary the...The first important voltammetric technique to be developed—polarography—uses the dropping mercury (DME) electrode as the working electrode. In polarography, as in linear sweep voltammetry, we vary the potential and measure the current. The change in potential can be in the form of a linear ramp, as was the case for linear sweep voltammetry, or it can involve a series of pulses.
