How to Perform Cyclic Voltammetry on a Polymer using a Potentiostat

Demonstration of Cyclic Voltammetry on a Polymer

Instructions for performing cyclic voltammetry on a polymer:

Begin by setting up and switching on the Potentiostat at least 30 minutes before use to ensure it warms up and reaches a stable temperature. This step is crucial to achieve the most accurate measurement.
Extract the reference solution from the vial; in this instance, a 0.01 M solution of silver nitrite in acetonitrile is utilized.
Insert the solution into the reference electrode tube with a syringe and needle until the tube is approximately 2/3 full.
Clean the working electrode using the same solvent as the electrolyte.
Polish the tip by wiping it in a figure-8 pattern.
Clean the counter electrode using the same solvent as the electrolyte.
Place a droplet of the solution containing your sample onto the working electrode and allow it to dry.
Insert each electrode into the cell cap.
To remove dissolved oxygen, gently bubble inert gas through the solution using a thin tube or needle for approximately 10 minutes.
Use crocodile clips to connect the cell to the Ossila Potentiostat and initiate the cyclic voltammetry software.
Select the appropriate current and potential ranges based on the sample being measured.
For example, when measuring PBDB-T-2Cl, which produces a signal in the hundreds of microamps, use the 2 mA range. For Fc, with a signal in the tens to hundreds of microamps, use the 200 μA range.
When ready to begin the measurement, withdraw the tubing or needle used for degassing until it is no longer in the solution, and click the “Measure” button.
The system will sweep the potential between the working electrode and reference electrode while measuring the current between the working electrode and counter electrode.
Repeat this process for the specified number of cycles.
If 'Save After Measurement' is enabled, the measurement data and settings will be saved as a CSV file once the sweep is complete.

For more information on Cyclic Voltammetry, see Cyclic Voltammetry Basic Principles, Theory and Setup

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Cyclic Voltammetry Applications and Uses

Cyclic voltammetry is a versatile electrochemical method with a range of different applications.