I am planning to investigate the potential distribution across the working and counter electrodes, which are made of different materials. Moreover, the working electrode, which is an anode in this system, has undergone modifications. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on how to proceed with this investigation.
In electrochemical systems, the potential distribution is not necessarily equal on the working and counter electrodes. In fact, the potential distribution depends on several factors such as the electrode materials, the electrolyte composition, and the specific electrochemical reaction taking place.
In general, the working electrode is the electrode where the electrochemical reaction of interest takes place, while the counter electrode is used to complete the electrical circuit and to balance the current flow in the system. As a result, the working electrode is often subjected to a larger potential drop compared to the counter electrode.
For example, in a simple two-electrode electrochemical cell, such as a battery or an electrolysis cell, the working electrode is often the anode where oxidation takes place, while the counter electrode is the cathode where reduction occurs. In this case, the potential difference between the working and counter electrodes is dictated by the thermodynamics of the electrochemical reaction and the resistance of the electrolyte.
Therefore, the potential distribution on the working and counter electrodes is not necessarily equal and can vary depending on the specifics of the electrochemical system.
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