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Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Dynamic Electrochemical Measurement of Chloride Ions
Published on: February 5, 2016
A Method for Oscillation-Free Dynamic IR Compensation During Potentiostatic Electrolyses
Nandu Ashtaman-Pillai Syamaladevi1,2, Alain Rieder1,2, Abhijit Dutta1,2
1Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
This study introduces a simple method for 100% dynamic IR compensation in potentiostatic electrolysis. This technique accurately measures electrocatalyst performance by maintaining a constant effective electrode potential, even under high current conditions.
Area of Science:
- Electrocatalysis
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Potentiostatic electrolysis is crucial for evaluating electrocatalysts in reactions like hydrogen evolution and CO2 reduction.
- Uncompensated solution resistance (IR drop) hinders accurate catalyst activity comparison, especially with dynamic resistance changes during high-current experiments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a straightforward method for achieving 100% dynamic IR compensation in potentiostatic electrolysis.
- To enable accurate and reliable long-term performance evaluation of electrocatalysts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized commercially available Metrohm Autolab PGSTAT potentiostats.
- Implemented continuous monitoring of high-frequency resistance and direct current.
- Employed adaptive digital setpoint adjustment to maintain a constant effective electrode potential.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated 100% dynamic IR compensation.
- Achieved stable operation without oscillations during high-current density nitrate-to-ammonia reduction.
- Successfully managed system instabilities caused by thermal effects and resistance decrease.
Conclusions:
- The presented method provides accurate electrocatalyst performance data by overcoming IR drop limitations.
- The technique is robust and applicable to challenging electrochemical systems, including those with dynamic resistance.
- Free software and code are provided to facilitate widespread adoption in the electrocatalysis community.
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