Why my cyclic voltammogram looking so noisy?

I know nothing about cyclic voltammetry, but noise is an ever present issue in measurement.

I found a similar thread, which presumably you have looked at.

https://www.researchgate.net/post/Why-Im-getting-lot-of-noise-in-my-cyclic-voltammetry-curve

The first rule of measurement is “First, test your test equipment”. Do you have a simplified setup you can test to ensure your equipment is not faulty? For example it is usual to short the terminals of a voltmeter to check its noise level. Then you can short the terminals whilst also connecting one side to your circuit to check for common-mode noise. This should be given in the equipment manual to verify the specification.

Assuming the equipment itself gives an adequate noise level, you seem to have a systematic noise source, which is to say external interference. If you post-process the data using an FFT you will probably see a dominant frequency which will help you to identify the noise source. For example 50Hz/60Hz would be from the mains supply.

Ahmed Emad Fathy Abbas

There are several potential reasons why your cyclic voltammogram is looking noisy, as per the image you provided:

Bad electrical connections: This would be one of the top reasons to check. Noisy signals typically arise from loose cables, corroded contacts, and poor wiring between the working, counter, and reference electrodes. I would thoroughly inspect all electrical connections for integrity.

Dirty electrode surfaces: Contaminated or unclean electrode surfaces can substantially contribute to noise by interfering with reproducible electrochemical reactions at the electrode-solution interface. Proper polishing and cleaning of electrode surfaces is crucial.

Instrumentation issues: problems with potentiostat components like a failing amplifier, an ADC converter malfunction, an electrical short, or an internal loose connector can manifest as noise in the measurements. Testing CV with a standardized redox probe would verify if instrumentation is a factor.

Reference electrode issue: An unsuitable, incorrectly filled, or defective reference electrode may give rise to fluctuating reference potentials, causing current oscillations that appear noisy. Assessing reference for proper operation is advised.

Sample contamination: Impurities and particulates in the electrolyte sample can distort the expected electrochemical reactions at applied potentials, introducing noise. Filtration and degassing are often helpful.

Electrode Polarization: Rapid changes in potential or electrode polarization can contribute to noise. Ensure that the scan rate is appropriate for your system and that the potential is stable.

Environmental Factors: External factors such as temperature fluctuations or vibrations can impact the stability of measurements. Ensure that the experimental setup is in a controlled environment.

Data Processing: Incorrect or insufficient data processing techniques can also contribute to noise. Ensure that proper data filtering and smoothing methods are applied.

Experimental Setup: Check the experimental setup for any potential sources of interference or noise. For example, electromagnetic interference from nearby equipment can affect measurements.

Electrode Quality: The quality of the electrodes can significantly impact the quality of cyclic voltammograms. Make sure that the electrodes are properly prepared and in good condition. Check for any impurities in the electrode material. If using graphite, impurities can introduce noise.

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