when we perform a cyclic voltammetry study, how can we conclude if a particular material is behaving like an anode or cathode with the help of that CV plot?
The information is not enough. I cannot help too much.
Briefly, you can judge from the current value. If it is positive, the material is losing electrons, compared to the reference.
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Nakul Desai if you start the sweep in the anodic direction (towards higher potentials), then an anodic voltammogram (positive currents, curves with peaks or plateaus, depending on the size of the electrode and the scan rate) should appear when an oxidation reaction occurs on the electrode (anode). When the direct sweep is completed, then the cathodic sweep will occur (towards lower and lower potentials), if reduction reactions occur on the electrode, a voltammogram with negative currents representing the reduction processes (cathode) will appear. Now, you must keep in mind that the voltammograms appear or not depending on the potential window, if you have a window where no oxidation or reduction occurs, you will see no peak or plateau, you will only get capacitive currents.
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Based on charge (in electrolytic cells):
- Anode: In an electrolytic cell (where an external power source drives the reaction), the anode is the positive electrode. This is because negatively charged ions (anions) are attracted to the anode and lose electrons there (oxidation).
- Cathode: In an electrolytic cell, the cathode is the negative electrode. This is because positively charged ions (cations) are attracted to the cathode and gain electrons there (reduction).