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Article

A Simple Numerical Procedure for the Simulation of "Lifelike" Linear-Sweep Voltammograms

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Benedetto P. Bozzini

INFM-Dipartimento di Ingegneria dellâ€™Innovazione, Università di Lecce, v. Arnesano, I-73100 Lecce, Italy

J. Chem. Educ., 2000, 77 (1), p 100

DOI: 10.1021/ed077p100

Publication Date (Web): January 1, 2000

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

Practical linear-sweep voltammograms seldom resemble the theoretical ones shown in textbooks. This is because several phenomena (activation, mass transport, ohmic resistance) control the kinetics over different potential ranges scanned during the potential sweep. These effects are generally treated separately in the didactic literature, yet they have never been "assembled" in a way that allows the educational use of real experiments. This makes linear-sweep voltammetric experiments almost unusable in the teaching of physical chemistry. A simple approach to the classroom description of "lifelike" experimental results is proposed in this paper. Analytical expressions of linear sweep voltammograms are provided. The actual numerical evaluations can be carried out with a pocket calculator. Two typical examples are executed and comparison with experimental data is described. This approach to teaching electrode kinetics has proved an effective tool to provide students with an insight into the effects of electrochemical parameters and operating conditions.