Abstract
A low component count, microcontroller-based potentiostat circuit was developed through the use of operational amplifiers arranged in different feedback configurations. This was developed to alleviate the cost burden of equipment procurement in low-cost and budget applications. Simplicity was achieved in the design by the use of the microcontroller’s native functionalities and a low-cost R/2R resistor ladder digital-to-analogue converter. The potentiostat was used to investigate the Ni2+/Ni(s) redox couple in a 3-electrode cell with a silver/silver chloride reference electrode and graphite counter and working electrodes. Linear sweep voltammograms were ob-tained at scan rates of 10, 20, 30 and 40 mV/s. The analysis of the peak current versus (scan rate)1/2 plot indicated that the Ni2+/Ni(s) reduction, though conforming to the Randles-Sevcik equation, was a non-reversible redox reaction.a
Highlights
The potentiostat has remained the work-horse of the electrochemistry laboratory ever since the development of the first 3-electrode cell by Hickling in the early 1940s
Potentiostat circuits are of widely varying complexities, often dictated by the intended use
The demand for “embedded” and specialized potentiostat circuits is bound to continue. This has inspired the development by many workers of simplified, low cost instrumentation that do away with the bells and whistles, while retaining core potentiostat functionalities
Summary
The potentiostat has remained the work-horse of the electrochemistry laboratory ever since the development of the first 3-electrode cell by Hickling in the early 1940s. Auto-ranging resistors have been employed as a solution to achieve multi-current measurement capabilities [4] [5]. This feature and the supporting circuits contribute to the cost of the instrumentation. The potentiostat is fast ceasing to be the prime preserve of the electrochemistry laboratory It is quickly making inroad into industrial and consumer devices. The demand for “embedded” and specialized potentiostat circuits is bound to continue This has inspired the development by many workers of simplified, low cost instrumentation that do away with the bells and whistles, while retaining core potentiostat functionalities. It is believed that the low component count, and low cost of this design will contribute further to making the potentiostat ubiquitous in low-resource electrochemical laboratories and in budget products and applications
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