Square-wave voltammetry

Abstract

Square-wave voltammetry (SWV) is one of the four major voltammetric techniques provided by modern computer-controlled electroanalytical instruments, such as Autolab and μAutolab (both EcoChemie, Utrecht), BAS 100 A (Bioanalytical Systems), and PAR Model 384 B (Princeton Applied Research) [1]. The other three important techniques are single scan and cyclic staircase, pulse, and differential pulse voltammetry (see Chap. II.2). All four are either directly applied or after a preconcentration to record the stripping process. The application of SWV boomed in the last decade, first because of the widespread use of the instruments mentioned above, second because of a well-developed theory, and finally, and most importantly, because of its high sensitivity to surface-confined electrode reactions. Adsorptive stripping SWV is the best electroanalytical method for the determination of electroactive organic molecules that are adsorbed on the electrode surface [2]. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.