A simple approximate calculation method for assessing the usefulness of x-y recorders in rapid-scan voltammetric techniques

Abstract

A simple approximate calculation method is given which permits determina-tion of the maximal scan rates of potential allowable for distortion-free recording of current-voltage curves with X-Y recorders. For the calculations only the response time of the recorder, the wave shape and the scan rate of potential need be known. Stationary mercury electrodes and rapid polarography with a dropping mercury electrode at controlled drop times were examined. Electroanalytical implications are discussed, with particular emphasis on the rapid a.c. polarographic method with short controlled drop times and on stationary-electrode fundamental and second harmonic a.c. voltammetry. Theoretically and experimentally it has been shown that an X-Y recorder with 0.5–1.0-s response time can be used for scan rates up to about (50/ nt') mV s -1 with a.c. techniques and about (100/ nt') mV s -1 with d.c. polarography ( t'= response time of recorder, n = number of electrons).