Simulation and Fitting of Cyclic Voltammetry and Chronoamperometry Curves of Electrochemical Reactions with Different Mechanisms — A Didactic Perspective

Abstract

Electrochemical simulations are presented to introduce students to the capabilities of cyclic voltammetry (CV). The systems chosen involve one and two-electron transfers, and can be delineated with CV as being reversible, quasi-reversible, or irreversible. The rate constants for the electron transfer can be estimated by the theory of Nicholson and Shain. DigiElch, professional® provides the opportunity of fitting experimental CVs after assuming a reaction scheme. We will demonstrate data fitting for two different mechanisms, electron transfer E and electron transfer followed by a chemical reaction with a subsequent electron transfer of the product ECE.