Cyclic Voltammetry Simulations with DigiSim Software: An Upper-Level Undergraduate Experiment

摘要

An upper-division undergraduate chemistry experiment is described which utilizes DigiSim software to simulate cyclic voltammetry (CV). Four mechanisms were studied: a reversible electron transfer with no subsequent or proceeding chemical reactions, a reversible electron transfer followed by a reversible chemical reaction, a reversible chemical reaction followed by a reversible electron transfer, and a reversible electron transfer followed by a reversible chemical reaction followed by a reversible electron transfer. The experiment concludes with a student discussion of three journal articles that contain CV data. In addition to introducing students to the theory of CV, the experiment also reinforces the physical chemistry concepts of equilibrium and rate of reaction. Thus, it is suitable for a physical chemistry, instrumental analysis, or integrated/interdisciplinary laboratory experiment.