Cyclic Voltammetry

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Introduction
• Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is a type of potentiodynamic electrochemical measurement. In a cyclic
voltammetry experiment, the working electrode potential is ramped linearly versus time.
• It involves applying a voltage to an electrode immersed in an electrolytic solution and observing
how the system responds.
• This technique is applied so that currents due to oxidation processes are observed during the
forward scan and to reduction on the reverse scan.

CV Excitation
Signal
Instrumentation

A CV system consists of an electrolysis cell, a potentiostat, a current-to-voltage

converter, and a data acquisition system. The electrolysis cell consists of a working
electrode, counter electrode, reference electrode, and electrolytic solution. The
working electrode’s potential is varied linearly with time, while the reference
electrode maintains a constant potential. The counter electrode conducts
electricity from the signal source to the working electrode. The purpose of the
electrolytic solution is to provide ions to the electrodes during oxidation and
reduction.
3 electrodes
• Working Electrode- The most important aspect of the working electrode is that it
is composed of redox inert material in the potential range of interest. Because
the electrochemical event of interest occurs at the working electrode surface, it is
imperative that the electrode surface be extremely clean and its surface area
well-defined.
• Reference Electrode- A reference electrode has a well defined and stable
equilibrium potential. It is used as a reference point against which the potential
of other electrodes can be measured in an electrochemical cell.
• Counter Electrode- When a potential is applied to the working electrode such
that reduction (or oxidation) of the analyte can occur, current begins to flow. The
purpose of the counter electrode is to complete the electrical circuit. Current is
recorded as electrons flow between the WE and CE.