Basic Experiments

in Physical Chemistry

2022-1

Prof. : 한귀영 교수님

Student ID:
Name:
Assignment name: Lab #8 Result report
Date: 2022.04.18

Sungkyunkwan University
School of Chemical Engineering
 [Lab 8] Cyclic Voltammetry

1. Result

1) Mass calculation for solutions1~4

Through the pre-lab report, we know the molar concentration, molar mass, and volume of
solution for solutions 1-4. Therefore, it can be used to calculate the mass of the solution.

Figure 1. Tables of concentrations, molar masses, and calculated masses of solutions 1-4
made with a volume of 50 ml.

2) No (1-4) Avoidance - Current Graph

The results of making solutions and experiments are as follows.

① Potential of Solution 1 - Current graph

In solution 1, there is no substance to cause a redox reaction. Therefore, there is no peak
that appears on the graph.

② Potential of Solution 2 - Current Graph

Maximum point: (0.599610627V, 4.21e-05A)
Minimum potin: (-0.299652398V -2.66E-05A)
Difference: 0.899263V

③ Potential of Solution 3 - Current Graph

Maximum point: (0.599303901 2.29E-05)
Minimum potin: (-0.300265789 -5.51e-05)
Difference: 0.89957V
④ Potential of Solution 4 - Current Graph
 Maximum point: (0.599917293 1.04E-05)
Minimum potin: (-0.299959093 -8.70E-05)
Difference: 0.899876V
3) Analysis of Peak Potential Change Related to Equation (7).

The value of the ECell is increased [R] and [O] decreases, which means the peak
potential change. As a result of the experiment, solution 3 is greater than that of solution
4, and solution 2 is greater than that of solution.

2. Answer for the result report

1) Question 1: It is in 1.1), 2)

2) Question 2: It is in in 1. 3)

3) Question 3: Explain the reason that reference electrode in this experiment is written with
the condition of its electrolyte, ‘saturated in KCl’?
 In this experiment, there are several reasons for the reference electrode as above.

i) When using a saturated KCl solution with an excessive KCl, it is difficult to

expand the experiment time by additional KCl.

ii) KCl has a property that increases the temperature, and KCl does not affect the
evaporation of water.

iii) AgCl is soluble in KCl, so only very small amounts are dissolved. It has the
potential in KCl, which is 0.197V, the electrode saturated. As long as the
concentration of chloride is constant, the potential is not changed well. Thus, it is
easier to calculate the standard electrode potential, which (experimental value) -
0.197V may be calculated.

4) Question 4: Search and explain ‘potential window’ or ‘electrochemical window’. Which

reaction would be occurred on working electrode when applying over 1.1 V at this set-

up?

If a voltage greater than 1.1V is applied, the oxidation reaction will occur in Working
Electrode.

5) Question 5: Choose the right answer and explain the reason.

SCE has 0.241 V (vs. SHE) and Ag/AgCl in saturated KCl has 0.197 V (vs. SHE). The
potential of the SCE has a value of 0.044V than the Ag / AgCl is saturated in KCl. If the SCE
becomes a reference electrode, the reference is 0.044V, a higher value, and the potential value
measured by the experiment becomes a smaller than the previous measurement value. As a
result, the result of the graph will move to the left in the origin graph.

3. Discussion

1) Possible error

i) Washing using distilled water

The experiments of 1 to 4 of the solution were carried out in turn, and the containers and
three electrodes were washed using distilled water. However, since distillation can be
perfectly cleaned, it can be the cause of the error. (Especially, the electrode has a very
thin thickness and sophisticated washing is difficult.)

ii) Measuring the weight of solute

In this experiment, the weight of the solute is measured to make a solution, and it is the
cause of an error if the horizontal of the objects raised on the balance does not fit or the
weight is not accurately measured.

iii) Incomplete solution of solute

When making a solution, it melts each of the solutes, but it is possible to obtain an
incorrect result because it makes the fully dissolved solute in this process.

iv) Sensitivity of VERSASTUDIO, static electricity

Since this experiment, VersaStudio, which is a device used in data analysis, is a sensitive
equipment, so it can be affected by ambient factors. In particular, the experimental person
measured by current and voltage data may have an error to the experiment by gap static
electricity.

2) How to minimize the error (3. 1) Make the same as possible error and order.)

i) More sophisticated washing

When cleaning using distilled water, washing is performed several times to clean the
experimental apparatus and reduce the error.

ii) Measurement of solute (more exactly)

You will be able to measure the weight of the solute more accurately and adjusted to
achieve horizontal during measurement.

iii) Complete dissolution of solute

After fully dissolving the solute, it will be possible to obtain a more accurate experiment
value by using a solution after making a solution. It would be a way to dissolve the
temperature a little bit.

iv) Removal of static electricity, caution when dealing with Versastudio

Be careful not to cause unnecessary contact with VersaStudio during the experiment, and
it is a method of reducing the error after removing the ambient static electricity in a
manner such as spraying water into the sprayer before the experiment.

4. Conclusion

1) The goal of the experiment

Through this experiment, you can learn the basics of electrochemistry, experiment with
cyclic voltammetry, and interpret the data obtained through the experiment using the
Nernst equation.

Potential Current-Voltage graphs of solutions 1-4 can be obtained using VersaStudio.

The relationship between the concentration of the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent
and the transformation of the potential-current graph can be found through peak point
analysis in the graph.

2) Error analysis

In order to reduce the error

Using distilled water, the experimental equipment should be washed cleanly several
times, and the weight of the solute should be measured more accurately.

In addition, the experiment should be carried out in a state in which the solute is
completely dissolved.

When handling Versastudio, avoid unnecessary contact and remove static electricity from
the surroundings before the experiment and proceed with the experiment.

3) Lesson learned through experiment

Through this experiment, we were able to learn about cyclic voltammetry and the Nernst
equation, and by analyzing the data obtained using Versastudio, we were able to find out
about potential and current changes according to the concentration of oxidizing and
reducing agents.

5. References

Sungkyunkwan University School of Chemical Engineering – (2020) Chemical

Engineering & Polymer Basic Experiments, p46-55

Consultsr-http://www.consultrsr.net/resources/ref/agcl.htm

Chemlibertext-

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(

Analytical_Chemistry)/Analytical_Sciences_Digital_Library/Active_Learning/

In_Class_Activities/Electrochemical_Methods_of_Analysis/02_Text/

5._Electrochemical_Cells