Combinations of sweeps and steps

Potential wavefoms and typical current responses for selected techniques 

The dot indicates the time when the current is sampled. The current response is that for the reduction of a reversible redox couple. 

The amount of metal is calculated from the charge under the stripping peak. Using standard addition or calibration, this amount can be related to the concentration of the metal ion in the analyte. For this, all parameters—pre-concentration potential and time, stirring conditions, temperature and quantity of Hg—should remain constant throughout the calibration and be identical to those used with the sample. 

Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry (CSV) can be used to detect organic and inorganic compounds. An anodic potential is applied during the pre-concentration step and the compound of interest forms an insoluble salt with mercury. Stripping is carried out with a potential sweep towards negative potentials. 

The practical characteristics of microelectrodes are discussed in Chapter 6 of this handbook hence, this section is restricted to a brief theoretical background followed by a discussion of key experiments where microelectrodes have made significant improvements. 

---