Cyclic reciprocal derivative chronopotentiometry in the study of electrochemical mechanisms

We report on the development of the cyclic reciprocal derivative chronopotentiometry (CRDC) method with controlled alternating current to investigate the mechanisms of rapid electrochemical reactions. The proposed approach is based on the use of alternating current of industrial frequency. To obtain the Е − t response, we used a scheme which includes an electric chain consisting of a germanium diode and an adjustable source of constant voltage being parallel to the sensor electrodes. Digital analysis of the primary data allows us to obtain the following signal transformants: dE/dt−Е, dt/dE−E, dq/dE−E, I−E. Such an approach permits to observe the structurization of the response, which can be associated with the process stages. The modified CRDC method was applied to the oxidation of catechol and pyrocatechin violet dye on platinum microelectrodes and to the reduction of camphor, methionine, and methylene blue dye on a mercury dropping electrode