Practical Guide to Large Amplitude Fourier-Transformed Alternating Current Voltammetry-What, How, and Why

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Direct current voltammetry (dcV) has limitations in separating complex electrochemical signals.
• Non-Faradaic and slow electron transfer processes can obscure desired redox responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the enhanced sensitivity and selectivity of FTacV over dcV.
• To showcase FTacV's ability to isolate specific redox processes.
• To provide a practical method for validating FTacV instrument performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Fourier-transformed alternating current voltammetry (FTacV) with a superimposed sinusoidal oscillation on a potential ramp.
• Applied Fourier transformation, band selection, and inverse Fourier transformation for signal processing.
• Employed a homebuilt check-cell for instrument validation.

Main Results:

• FTacV successfully separated Faradaic current from background noise.
• Demonstrated sensitive detection of low analyte concentrations (5 μM ferrocene).
• Distinguished the [Ru(NH3)6]3+/2+ redox couple from oxygen reduction under ambient atmosphere.

Conclusions:

• FTacV offers superior sensitivity and selectivity compared to dcV for electrochemical analysis.
• The technique simplifies experiments by removing the need for inert atmospheres.
• FTacV is a valuable tool for separating complex electrochemical signals, with provided methods and data facilitating its adoption.