Abstract

Square Wave Voltammetry is rapidly becoming the most popular and versatile electrochemical technique used in research laboratories today. A discussion of electroanalytical techniques, which are the forerunners to square wave voltammetry, provides a basis for understanding the theoretical and experimental aspects of SWV which are presented. A computer-controlled square wave voltammetry system was designed and built using an IBM PC computer, a Tecmar data acquisition board, an EG&G PARC Model 264A Polarographic Analyzer/Stripping Voltammeter, an EG&G PARC Model 303A Static Mercury Drop Electrode, and the scientific software package, ASYST. The system was tested by performing computer-controlled square wave voltammetry on a Zn^2+ system, popular for standardization of square wave analysis systems. The major problem encountered with the system was a large amount of noise in the collected data. The noise was substantially reduced by various data smoothing techniques which included signal averaging. The universality of the system was successfully 2A tested by using an IBM EC/225^2A Voltammetric Analyzer and a homemade electrolytic cell for the analysis. Finally, the control programs were written in BASIC as well as FORTH, the language of ASYST. FORTH proved to be the superior language for the interfacing application in terms of speed and accuracy of data collection.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Electrochemical apparatus--Design; Electrochemical analysis--Instruments--Design; Voltammetry--Instruments--Design

Publication Date

6-1-1987

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School of Chemistry and Materials Science (COS)

Advisor

Hornak, Joseph

Advisor/Committee Member

Cain, Edward

Advisor/Committee Member

Reinhardt, Christian

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: QD559.W46 1987

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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