Cyclic Voltammetry Coupled Homogeneous Kinetics and Adsorption

Cyclic Voltammetry Coupled Homogeneous Kinetics and Adsorption... 

The popularity of the cychc voltammetry (CV) technique has led to its extensive study and numerous simple criteria are available for immediate anal-j sis of electrochemical systems from the shape, position and time-behaviour of the experimental voltammograms [1, 2], For example, a quick inspection of the cyclic voltammograms offers information about the diffusive or adsorptive nature of the electrode process, its kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, as well as the existence and characteristics of coupled homogeneous chemical reactions [2]. This electrochemical method is also very useful for the evaluation of the magnitude of imdesirable effects such as those derived from ohmic drop or double-layer capacitance. Accordingly, cyclic voltammetry is frequently used for the analysis of electroactive species and surfaces, and for the determination of reaction mechanisms and rate constants. 

Voltammetric methods produce current-voltage curves with features characteristic of the reaction mechanism and kinetic conditions. Combining this with the ease of changing the waveform parameters, cyclic voltammetry is nearly always the first technique used to study a new systan. It is particularly usefril for assessing reaction mechanisms, even when there are additional complications such as coupled homogeneous reactions, or surface adsorption. These techniques also provide quantitative information as will be shown below with a selection of theoretical expressions. 

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