MTX ChemSense
FAQs
What is the use of scan rate dependency study?
By MTX content
/ September 24, 2024
The scan rate dependency study helps to determine the nature of the redox reaction thermodynamically whether a particular reaction is reversible, quasi–reversible, or irreversible. Changing the scan rate can help differentiate between real electrochemical processes and capacitive currents, particularly when there is double-layer charging or large surface area electrodes are used. Also, the resolution of the voltammogram can be increased by varying the scan rate. Note: A lower scan rate is recommended because a higher scan rate affects the current response and shape of the voltammogram and the diffusion layer size.
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What factors need to be considered while setting up the potential window for cyclic voltammetry (CV)?
By MTX content
/ September 24, 2024
Considering the electrochemical step-up restrictions of Potentiostat/Galvanostat voltage and current ranges, it should be chosen within the instrument range. Ensure that the potential window covers the whole redox process of interest. When selecting a potential range, remember the reference electrode potential because electrode-to-electrode potential ranges differ. The chosen electrolyte must be compatible with the material's potential range, certain electrolytes may be restricted by overlapping potentials. To determine the material's potential limit, perform a CV experiment on the selected electroactive material in the range of maximum and minimum potentials. Do some literature research and find the appropriate paper similar to the...
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What are the roles played by Faradic and capacitive currents in Cyclic voltammetry (CV)?
By MTX content
/ September 24, 2024
✔ Faradic current relates to the electrochemical processes at the electrode-electrolyte interface. It is caused by electron transfer between the electrode and the electroactive material (redox reaction). It is also directly proportional to the scan rate. The kinetics, thermodynamics, and mechanism of the electrochemical processes are all explained in detail by faradic currents. ✔ The non-Fradaic process, also known as capacitance current, originates from an electrical double layer at the electrode-electrolyte surface. The capacitive current region indicates the motions of charge in an electrical double layer and there is no chemical reaction or electron transfer occurs there. It is directly...
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Why is there a duck shape in cyclic voltammetry (CV)?
By MTX content
/ September 24, 2024
The working electrode oxidizes throughout the forward cycles, and the potential goes from negative to positive (shown in Fig 1) at a certain voltage which is called anodic peak voltage (EPA). When the reverse cycle occurs, the reduction requires a significant current, resulting in a downward peak that indicates the current decreases from positive to negative potential (shown in Fig 1) at a certain voltage known as the cathodic peak voltage (EPC). These are the reasons for the duck shape in Cyclic Voltammetry. Note: The information on backlink Cyclic Voltammetry can be found by visiting our website. We encourage you...
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Why is the Cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique widely used in Electrochemistry?
By MTX content
/ September 24, 2024
✔ Cyclic voltammetry is a method that offers useful details about a material's electrochemical behavior or a substance through redox reactions in the presence of systematically varied applied voltage/potential. ✔ The basic idea behind cyclic voltammetry is to measure the electric current that results from redox reactions occurring at the surface of the working electrode by varying the voltage applied to an electrochemical cell between two limits. ✔ It provides information such as oxidation and reduction potentials, the number of electrons involved in the redox reactions, and the reaction kinetics.
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How to calculate Electrochemical Active Surface Area (ECSA) for Screen printed electrodes (SPE)?
By MTX content
/ September 9, 2024
In SPE electrodes, the geometrical surface area is determined by its physical dimension but it is impossible to determine whether the electrode surface is inert or electrochemically active. Two electrochemical techniques are used to determine the ECSA of SPE such as: 1. Cyclic voltammetry (using Randles–Sevcik equation). 2. Chronocoulometric (using Anson equation).
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For screen-printed electrodes, why silver utilized as a conductive tracking line?
By MTX content
/ September 9, 2024
Silver is frequently utilized as a conductive tracking line in screen-printed electrodes Because of its exceptional electrical conductivity, which makes it a useful material for promoting electron flow in the electrode.
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What is the reason for the frequent use of heat treatment in screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCE)?
By MTX content
/ September 9, 2024
Heat or thermal treatment is mostly used to activate the electrode surface of SPCE under anaerobic or aerobic circumstances using a muffle furnace. Surface pre-treatment enhances the overall electrochemical performance of SPCE. Note: It is not advised to utilize high temperatures like 400°C for pre-treatment as it peels off the working electrode surface.
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What is the purpose of surface pre-treatment method in screen printed electrodes (SPE)?
By MTX content
/ September 9, 2024
The electrochemical properties of SPEs were affected by the presence of non-electroactive components in the inks, curing processes, and low graphite carbon content in the ink. These effects can be minimized by applying surface pre-treatment techniques like UV light, plasma treatment, chemical (using solvent), electrochemical (using Cyclic Voltammetry), and thermal techniques.
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What type of reference electrode is recommended for use in an alkaline medium?
By MTX content
/ September 9, 2024
The Hg/HgO reference electrode is mostly recommended for an alkaline medium due to the electrode's 1M filling solution (KOH or NaOH). To begin, the half-cell reaction that occurs in the Hg/HgO electrode is shown below: In an alkaline medium, the internal and external electrolytes will have similar ions(OH_) and concentration(1M), due to which liquid junction potential will be lowered at the Hg/HgO reference electrode frit. As a result, the reference electrode potential does not vary significantly. Pros and cons of Hg/HgO reference electrode: It can withstand temperatures less than 90°C. Not recommended for acidic conditions because HgO is easily soluble...
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Unable to connect MedPstat with Software?
By MTX content
/ August 9, 2024
First, check the USB-C type cable to ensure it is properly connected. Then, go to the PC settings and open the Control Panel. Navigate to "Ports (COM & LPT)" and check if the USB drive is recognized. If it is not showing up or is listed under "Other Devices" as FT232R USB UART, try to install the appropriate driver provided in the Pen drive along with the instrument.
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What is the use of a dummy test cell provided with MedPstat?
By MTX content
/ August 9, 2024
The dummy test cell provided with MedPstat is primarily used for calibrating instruments and checking the current ranges. So, we provide a 1K resistor, which allows for easy testing of the instruments. If you encounter any issues or have doubts about the readings, simply connect the instrument to the dummy cell and run one Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) from -1 to 1 V. In the result plot window, observe that the current range is displayed from -1 mA to 1 mA.
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What is the power requirement for MedPstat?
By MTX content
/ August 9, 2024
The MedPstat requires a power supply of 100V - 240V AC, 50/60 Hz. We provide a high-standard power supply compatible with American, Australian, UK, and European/Indian connections for universal use (You can choose any of them). The power cable is 1.5 meters long for easy connectivity. On the backside panel of the MedPstat cabinet, you will find a port labeled 12V 1A (DC) for the power supply connection.
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What are SPE’s drawbacks when compared to GCE?
By MTX Labs Team
/ October 21, 2023
The drawback of SPEs compared to GCE is that SPE is not as effective with gas samples and the repeatability of electrodes raises concerns. We are unable to proceed with bulk electrolysis.
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How Screen Printed Electrodes (SPE) better than Glassy carbon electrodes (GCE)?
By MTX Labs Team
/ October 21, 2023
Ease of modification and minimal area is required for the experimental setup. Minimum electrolyte or analyte volume is sufficient. Surface polishing is not necessary. Ease of customization and design of portable sensing devices.
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How are Screen Printed Electrodes (SPE) better than conventional 3-electrode based electrochemical systems?
By MTX Labs Team
/ October 21, 2023
The choice between SPEs and three-electrode systems depends on experiment or application. Both offer benefits. The "better" system will vary depending on the experiment's design and requirements. SPEs over conventional 3-electrode system: Convenient and user-friendly. Cost-effective because all the 3 electrodes are integrated on a single substrate. As a result, no requirement for individual counter, working, or reference electrodes. Cleaning is not mandatory in between experimental trials they are disposable and hence time-saving. Minimal area for the experimental setup. Better sensitivity and ease of modification. Point of care and on-site analysis.
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What are the uses and applications of Screen Printed Electrodes (SPE)?
By MTX Labs Team
/ October 21, 2023
Applications of SPE based electrochemical sensors: Electrochemical sensors based on SPEs are more efficient and convenient in performing point of care analysis using electrochemical techniques compared to traditional benchtop experiments. Food industries – To examine the ageing, sulphites level, and allergenic protein in wine samples. Environmental monitoring - Organic, inorganic, and biological pollutants can occur in soil and water. SPE based sensors are employed in the detection of pesticide and herbicide contamination in soil as well as the monitoring of heavy metals such as Hg2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+ in water. Forensic Electrochemistry – SPE based sensors are used to...
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How carbon (or Gold) (or platinum) Screen Printed Electrodes (SPE) are cleaned?
By MTX Labs Team
/ October 21, 2023
The most often and convenient method to clean SPE is using an H2O2 solution and performing multiple Cyclic Voltammetry cycles at a low sweep speed. Carbon-based SPE electrodes are washed with ethanol followed by soaking it in 0.01 M hydrochloric acid solution. For cleaning Gold and platinum-based SPE electrodes, the negative sweeping method is preferred as it increases the roughness of the electrode surface. [Reference: 10.3390/pr10040723]
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What are the different methods used to clean Screen Printed Electrodes (SPE)?
By MTX Labs Team
/ October 21, 2023
Different techniques are used to clean SPE, depending on SPE surface type and level of contamination. The cleaning may be further divided into three types: Chemical cleaning methods (using solvents). Piranha solution (owing to strong aggression, not preferred). Aqua regia Thermal cleaning method: UV ozone cleaning Electrochemical cleaning methods (using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) technique) KOH sweep method. Potential cycling using H2SO4 or HCl. CV sweeping using potassium ferricyanide. Taking negative sweeping potential (using CV technique). [Reference: 10.3390/pr10040723]
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How should the Screen Printed Electrode be dried after placing the sample?
By MTX Labs Team
/ October 21, 2023
After placing the sample in the electrode proper adhesion is required, drying can be done at room temperature or by using oven or UV lamps.
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