Convolution of voltammograms as a method of chemical analysis

Abstract

Voltammetry is extensively employed for chemical analysis, but in all existing methods the analyte concentration is calculated from some feature (usually a peak or plateau) of the voltammogram, so that most of the experimental data remain unused. Here a concept is proposed that permits measurement of the bulk analyte concentration from every point on the voltammogram. The principle exploited is to apply a suitable convolution procedure to the Faradaic current, thereby generating the concentration excursions of the electroactive reactant and product at the electrode surface. These excursions are then combined with the Nernst equation to measure the analyte concentration. The concept is tested experimentally and is shown to have promise as a means of enhancing analytical precision and rejecting interferences.