Study of Diffusion Processes by Electrolysis with Micro-electrodes

Abstract

THE diffusion of an electro-oxidizable or -reducible substance in solution can be studied by measuring the current obtained using suitable electrodes in an electrolysis cell under such conditions that the amount of electro-oxidizable or reducible material reaching one of the electrodes is determined only by the rate of diffusion of the material to the electrode. The concentration of the diffusing material at the electrode is maintained at a value practically equal to zero by applying a potential to the electrode such that the diffusing material is immediately oxidized or reduced upon reaching the electrode surface.