The design of electrochemical experiments

The simple concepts we have just discussed can be given a sound mathematical basis which is useful in the design of new experiments and instrumentation systems. The practice of interfacial electrochemistry involves analysis of the response of a phase boundary to various stimuli. In this book we examine the most frequently chosen perturbations and their experimental implementations. Some understanding of the properties of the phase boundary between an electrode and a solution can help tie together the seemingly endless variety of electrochemical techniques. 

We shall not give many practical details, but only those of greatest interest in the planning and design of electrochemical experiments. However, it is hoped that the discussion in this chapter will prove an aid to consulting more detailed expositions in this area, for example Refs. 1-6. 

In the case of electrochemical experiments, cell design for XSW measurements is of critical importance. In general, experiments are performed in a thin-layer configuration and cell materials typically include teflon and Kel-F. Two cell designs previously employed in such measurements are shown in Figs. 10 and 29. 

In addition, one needs to pay close attention to detection schemes and the design of specialized equipment. Of these, I will focus on detection schemes at this time and will defer the discussion of design of systems for electrochemical measurements to later sections dealing with specific experiments. 

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