voltammetric

Voltammetric refers to voltammetry, a class of electroanalytical techniques in which the current flowing between a working electrode and a counter electrode is measured while the electrical potential of the working electrode is controlled relative to a reference electrode. In voltammetric experiments, a potential program—such as a linear sweep, cyclic sweep, or pulsed waveform—is applied to drive redox reactions of species in solution. The observed Faradaic current arises from electron transfer at the electrode surface, while non-Faradaic charging current is present from the electrode interface. For quantitative work, measurements are usually made in a well-defined supporting electrolyte to minimize migration effects. A three-electrode cell using a potentiostat is typical: a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode.

Common voltammetric techniques include cyclic voltammetry, where the potential is swept back and forth to produce a voltammogram showing oxidation and reduction peaks; linear sweep voltammetry, which uses a single-direction sweep; differential pulse voltammetry and square wave voltammetry, which apply short pulses or pulses with alternating polarity to enhance sensitivity and discrimination against non-Faradaic current. Data from voltammetric methods can provide information on redox potentials, diffusion coefficients, reaction kinetics, and concentrations of electroactive species.

Applications span environmental analysis, pharmaceutical and food testing, metal ion determination, battery research, and sensor development. Strengths include relatively low equipment complexity, rapid measurements, and high sensitivity for trace species, while limitations can include electrode fouling, matrix effects, and the need for careful data interpretation.