Cyclic voltammetry at microstructured electrodes

Abstract

We present the theoretical treatment of cyclic voltammograms at microstructured electrodes. Calculations of voltammograms permit the determination of electrochemical parameters of redox systems in a single cell in parallel with the determinations of the spectroscopic parameters. The structural parameters of the electrode can be determined using the theoretical treatment presented if the electrochemical parameters of the redox system are known. Furthermore, lithographic-galvanic (LIGA) structures can be used as a model for microporous electrodes. Regression analysis was used to compare experimental and calculated cyclic voltammograms as well as to determine the electrochemical and spectroscopic parameters. A modified Randles-Sevčik equation has been derived to described the peak current dependence of cyclic voltammograms at micro-structured electrodes for both reversible and quasi-reversible charge transfer.