In the conventional 3-electrode setup, I am using glassy carbon as working electrode, platinum as counter electrode and platinum wire as reference electrode. Can it be used in this configuration? also how do i estimate the appropriate potential window for this setup?
Thanks
Platinum electrode can be used as both counter and reference electrode, Platinum electrode can also be used as counter electrode, working electrode and reference electrode. the potential of reference electrode can be calibrated by ferrocene
Thank you so much for your guidance. I also wanted to understand if there's any experimental technique or some form of spectroscopy that can help us confirm the exact reaction that is happening during cyclic voltammetry.
yes platinum electrode can be used as refrence electrode. To convert the potentials finaly to the RHE you need to do the cyclic voltametry with the ferricyanide system in same setup.
Thank you so much. I will calibrate the system. I wanted to also ask if there is any Insitu technique that we can utilise to ascertain exactly which reaction is occurring on application of potential.
Hi Pallavi,
To estimate the potential window, you have to run a CV in the background electrolyte, and then you can see where the limits for oxidation/reduction are. You also ensure there are no interferences. Then you add your molecule and run the CV. Once you know which are the processes of interest, you can reduce the window.
Good luck,
Teresa
I'd like to comment on your questions concerning potential window (PW) and the ones that has to do with ascertaining whether a reaction has occurred following oxidation, reduction or both. To begin with PW, you need to perform cyclic voltammetry in the blank. This will enable you to ascertain the inertness as well as stability of your electrode in the configuaration under consideration. Once you set your potential to a specific value say -1 to +1. You will observe if your electrode is inert in this set up. If you do so and there is no any peak in this range in the blank (i.e background electrolyte), then you can proceed to introduce the electroactive material to be analyzed. By doing so, you can conclude that any peak that appears after the introduction of the electroactive materials could be do to the oxidation or reduction of the analyte.
Regarding the second question, since you prefer spectroscopic technique to confirm whether reaction has taken place or not. Perform IR on your electroactive material prior to oxidation or reduction and immediately after. Then compare the spectra for any visible difference.
Goodluck
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