Dual-Frequency Alternating Current Designer Waveform for Reliable Voltammetric Determination of Electrode Kinetics Approaching the Reversible Limit

Practical Guide to Large Amplitude Fourier-Transformed Alternating Current Voltammetry-What, How, and Why

Fourier-transformed alternating current voltammetry (FTacV) is a technique utilizing a combination of a periodic (frequently sinusoidal) oscillation superimposed onto a staircase or linear potential ramp. The advanced utilization of a large amplitude sine wave induces substantial nonlinear current responses. Subsequent filter processing (via Fourier-transformation, band selection, followed by inverse Fourier-transformation) generates a series of harmonics in which rapid electron transfer processes may be separated from non-Faradaic and competing electron transfer processes with slower kinetics. Thus, FTacV enables the isolation of current associated with redox processes under experimental conditions that would not generate meaningful data using direct current voltammetry (dcV). In this study, the enhanced experimental sensitivity and selectivity of FTacV versus dcV are illustrated in measurements that (i) separate the Faradaic current from background current contributions, (ii) use a low (5 μM) concentration of analyte (exemplified with ferrocene), and (iii) enable discrimination of the reversible [Ru(NH3)6]3+/2+ electron-transfer process from the irreversible reduction of oxygen under a standard atmosphere, negating the requirement for inert gas conditions. The simple, homebuilt check-cell described ensures that modern instruments can be checked for their ability to perform valid FTacV experiments. Detailed analysis methods and open-source data sets that accompany this work are intended to facilitate other researchers in the integration of FTacV into their everyday electrochemical methodological toolkit.

Electrode kinetics from a single experiment: multi-amplitude analysis in square-wave chronoamperometry

The recently introduced technique of square-wave chronoamperometry (SWCA) is studied under conditions of progressively increasing height of potential pulses (square-wave amplitude) within a single experiment. In multi-amplitude square-wave chronoamperometry (MA-SWCA) a potential modulation consisting of square-wave forward and reverse potential pulses is imposed on a constant mid-potential; the amplitude of pulses increases progressively during the experiment. This allows the fast and reliable estimation of kinetic parameters at a constant pulse frequency in a single experiment, based on the resulting feature known as the amplitude-based quasireversible maximum. The proposed methodology is tested by simulating the responses of a simple quasireversible electrode reaction of a dissolved redox couple and a surface confined electrode reaction. Compared with conventional square-wave voltammetry (SWV) and SWCA, MA-SWCA shows advantages in estimation of the standard rate constant in terms of simplicity, speed and efficiency for both studied electrode mechanisms.

Recent advances and future perspectives for automated parameterisation, Bayesian inference and machine learning in voltammetry

Advanced data analysis tools such as mathematical optimisation, Bayesian inference and machine learning have the capability to revolutionise the field of quantitative voltammetry. Nowadays such approaches can be implemented routinely with widely available, user-friendly modern computing languages, algorithms and high speed computing to provide accurate and robust methods for quantitative comparison of experimental data with extensive simulated data sets derived from models proposed to describe complex electrochemical reactions. While the methodology is generic to all forms of dynamic electrochemistry, including the widely used direct current cyclic voltammetry, this review highlights advances achievable in the parameterisation of large amplitude alternating current voltammetry. One significant advantage this technique offers in terms of data analysis is that Fourier transformation provides access to the higher order harmonics that are almost devoid of background current. Perspectives on the technical advances needed to develop intelligent data analysis strategies and make them generally available to users of voltammetry are provided.

Fourier transform large amplitude alternating current voltammetry investigations of the split wave phenomenon in electrocatalytic mechanisms

Fourier transform large amplitude alternating current voltammetry (FTACV) studies are reported on an electrocatalytic (EC') mechanistic system which exhibits split wave behavior on both macro- and micro-size working electrodes. The electrochemical characteristics of the EC' mechanism were analysed using the fundamental to fourth harmonic components deduced by the Fourier transform algorithm. The effects of the sinusoidal frequencies of the applied potential, electrode geometry and substrate concentrations are investigated. The split wave phenomenon was observed and explored particularly.

Limitations in Electrochemical Determination of Mass-Transport Parameters: Implications for Quantification of Electrode Kinetics Using Data Optimisation Methods

Voltammetric quantification of the electrode kinetics for the quasi-reversible reaction requires detailed experiment–theory comparisons. Ideally, predicted data derived from the theoretical model are fitted to the experimental data by adjusting the reversible potential (E0), heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant at E0 (k0), and charge transfer coefficient α, with mass-transport and other parameters exactly known. However, parameters relevant to mass transport that include electrode area (A), diffusion coefficient (D), and concentration (c), are usually subject to some uncertainty. Herein, we examine the consequences of having different combinations of errors present in A, D, and c in the estimation of E0, k0, and α on the basis of the a.c. (alternating current) voltammetric experiment–theory comparisons facilitated by the use of a computer-assisted parameter optimisation algorithm. In most cases, experimentally reasonable errors (<10 %) in the mass-transport parameters do not introduce significant errors in recovered E0, k0, and α values. However, a pernicious situation may emerge when a slight overestimation of A, D or c is included in the model and results in erroneous identification of a reversible redox process as a quasi-reversible one with a report of apparently quantifiable kinetic parameters k0 and α.

Comparison of fast electron transfer kinetics at platinum, gold, glassy carbon and diamond electrodes using Fourier-transformed AC voltammetry and scanning electrochemical microscopy

Complementary techniques reveal new insights on electron transfer rates at different electrode materials.