BAS 100B/W Instruction Manual

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BAS 100B/W Version 2.3
March 2001
MF-9094 INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Electrochemical Workstation
Bioanalytical Systems, Inc
2701 Kent Avenue West Lafayette Indiana 47906
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MANUFACTURER’S NOTE
This instrument, either wholly or in part, is manufactured for research purposes only. Use for medical diagnosis is not intended, implied or recommended by the manufacturer. Use for this purpose and accountability for the same rests entirely with the user.
The BAS logo is a registered trademark of Bioanalytical Systems, Inc.
MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks referenced are the properties of their respective owners.
1999, 2001, Bioanalytical Systems, Inc.
No portion of this manual may be reproduced without express, written permission of Bioanalytical Systems, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Bioanalytical Systems, Inc.
2701 Kent Avenue
West Lafayette, IN 47906 USA
Phone: 765.463.4527
Fax: 765.497.1102
Web: www.bioanalytical.com
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1. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................1-1
2. INSTALLATION....................................................................................................................................2-1
2.1 INSTALLATION OF THE BAS 100B ELECTROCHEMICAL ANALYZER....................................2-1
2.2 INSTALLATION OF CPU BOARD FOR BAS 100B/W UPGRADE..................................................2-9
2.3 INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT ROMS IN THE BAS 100B/W............................................ 2-10
2.4 PERSONAL COMPUTER (PC) INSTALLATION.............................................................................2-11
3. FILE MENU ............................................................................................................................................3-1
3.1 FILE DIALOG BOX...............................................................................................................................3-1
3.2 LOAD DATA..........................................................................................................................................3-2
3.3 LIST DATA............................................................................................................................................3-2
3.4 SAVE DATA..........................................................................................................................................3-2
3.5 LIST TEXT FILE....................................................................................................................................3-3
3.6 CONVERT FILES..................................................................................................................................3-3
3.7 DELETE FILES......................................................................................................................................3-3
3.8 RENAME FILES....................................................................................................................................3-3
3.9 SETUP.....................................................................................................................................................3-3
3.10 TEXT DATA FORMAT.......................................................................................................................3-5
3.11 EXIT......................................................................................................................................................3-5
4. METHOD MENU ................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1 LOAD/SAVE METHOD........................................................................................................................4-1
4.2 SELECT MODE .....................................................................................................................................4-1
4.3 GENERAL/SPECIFIC PARAMETERS ................................................................................................ 4-2
4.4 LIST PARAMETERS.............................................................................................................................4-2
4.5 FILTER...................................................................................................................................................4-3
4.6 DEPOSIT OPTIONS .............................................................................................................................. 4-4
4.7 STABILIZING CAPACITOR................................................................................................................4-4
4.8 HYDRODYNAMIC MODULATION ................................................................................................... 4-5
4.9 CONTROLLED GROWTH....................................................................................................................4-5
5. CONTROL MENU ................................................................................................................................. 5-1
5.1 START RUN........................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.2 HOLD/CONTINUE................................................................................................................................5-1
5.3 REVERSE SCAN ...................................................................................................................................5-1
5.4 STOP RUN..............................................................................................................................................5-1
5.5 RUN OPTIONS ......................................................................................................................................5-2
5.6 LIST RUN DATA...................................................................................................................................5-3
5.7 iR COMPENSATION............................................................................................................................. 5-3
5.8 MEASURE REST POTENTIAL............................................................................................................5-7
5.9 MEASURE IMPEDANCE .....................................................................................................................5-7
5.10 IMMEDIATE PURGE/STIR................................................................................................................5-8
5.11 CLEAN ELECTRODE......................................................................................................................... 5-9
5.12 SELF-TEST HARDWARE .................................................................................................................. 5-9
5.13 CELL ON/OFF......................................................................................................................................5-9
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6. MATH MENU.........................................................................................................................................6-1
6.1 OPERATORS .........................................................................................................................................6-1
6.2 SMOOTH................................................................................................................................................6-1
6.3 DERIVATIVE/INTEGRAL ................................................................................................................... 6-3
6.4 CONVOLUTION.................................................................................................................................... 6-4
6.5 BACKGROUND.....................................................................................................................................6-5
6.6 AVERAGE.............................................................................................................................................. 6-5
7. ANALYSIS...............................................................................................................................................7-1
7.1 RESULTS GRAPH.................................................................................................................................7-1
7.2 RESULTS OPTIONS..............................................................................................................................7-7
7.3 CALIBRATION...................................................................................................................................... 7-9
7.4 STANDARD ADDITION ....................................................................................................................7-10
8. GRAPHICS MENU ................................................................................................................................8-1
8.1 SINGLE GRAPH....................................................................................................................................8-1
8.2 GRAPH OPTIONS .................................................................................................................................8-1
8.3 GRAPH COLORS ..................................................................................................................................8-3
8.4 MULTI-GRAPH.....................................................................................................................................8-4
9. PRINT MENU.........................................................................................................................................9-1
9.1 PRINT GRAPH....................................................................................................................................... 9-1
9.2 PRINT OPTIONS ...................................................................................................................................9-1
9.3 MULTI-PRINT FILES............................................................................................................................9-2
9.4 PRINT TEXT..........................................................................................................................................9-2
9.5 COPY TEXT...........................................................................................................................................9-2
9.6 COPY GRAPH........................................................................................................................................9-2
9.7 PRINT SETUP........................................................................................................................................9-2
10. OPERATION MODES.......................................................................................................................10-1
10.1 LINEAR SWEEP TECHNIQUES (LSV, CV, LOGI, CYCLE) ........................................................ 10-4
10.2 POTENTIAL STEP TECHNIQUES (CA, CC, STEP) .................................................................... 10-13
10.3 PULSE TECHNIQUES (SCP, NPV/P, DPV/P)...............................................................................10-21
10.4 SQUARE WAVE TECHNIQUES (OSWV, BSWV/P) ...................................................................10-28
10.5 A.C. TECHNIQUES (ACV/P, PSACV/P, SHACP/V, TACV/P, DTACV/P).................................10-33
10.6 STRIPPING TECHNIQUES (BSWSV, DPSV, LSSV, OSWSV)...................................................10-40
10.7 HYDRODYNAMIC TECHNIQUES (RDE, HDM) ........................................................................ 10-47
10.8 TIME BASE TECHNIQUES............................................................................................................10-53
10.9 MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES (BE, ECM, HR, IMP)...........................................................10-59
10.9.1 Bulk Electrolysis with Coulometry (BE)................................................................................10-59
10.9.2 Electrocapillary Measurement (ECM)....................................................................................10-62
10.9.3 Hold-Ramp-Step (HR)............................................................................................................10-65
10.9.4 A.C. Impedance (IMP)............................................................................................................ 10-66
11. SERVICE AND TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................................................... 11-1
11.1 PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................ 11-1
11.2 TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................................................................................11-1
11.3 REFERENCE ELECTRODES ...........................................................................................................11-2
11.4 REMOVAL OF CIRCUIT BOARDS................................................................................................. 11-5
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1. Introduction
This is the Operation Manual for the BAS 100B/W Electrochemical Workstation. It is the fourth generation of a microprocessor-based Electrochemical Analyzer series that started in 1983. The BAS 100B/W uses the latest advances in Personal Computer (PC) technology to increase the efficiency and versatility of the user interface. The MS Windows interface allows instrument control and data storage and processing, together with data presentation on the PC monitor, laser printer or digital plotter. These functions are shown in a block diagram in Figure 1-1.
REAL-TIME
CLOCK
CELL
EXTERNAL
POTENT IOSTAT
CURRENT AND
CHARGE TRANSDUCER
ANALOG FILTER
ADC
FUNCTION
GENERATOR
CONTROL
SOFTWARE
CELL AND
ELECTRODE
CONTROL
DATA
STORAGE
INTERNAL EXTERNAL
MICRO
PROCESSOR
VIDEO
CONTROL
RS-232
INTERFACE
I/O PORT
Figure 1-1. Block diagram of the BAS 100B/W Electrochemical Workstation.
LASER
PRINTER
PERSONAL
COMPUTER
DIGITAL
PLOTTER
DATA
STORAGE
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Sweep Techniques
Linear Sweep Voltammetry with linear and log output Cyclic Voltammetry
Step Techniques
Chronoamperometry Chronocoulometry
Pulse Techniques
Differential Pulse Voltammetry and Polarography Normal Pulse Voltammetry and Polarography Sampled Current Polarography
Square Wave Techniques
Barker Square Wave Voltammetry and Polarography Osteryoung Square Wave Voltammetry
A.C. Voltammetric Techniques
Sinusoidal A.C. Voltammetry and Polarography Phase-Selective Sinusoidal A.C. Voltammetry and Polarography Second-Harmonic Sinusoidal A.C. Voltammetry and Polarography Triangular Wave A.C. Voltammetry and Polarography Differential Triangular Wave A.C. Voltammetry and Polarography
Hydrodynamic Techniques
Rotating Disk Voltammetry Hydrodynamic Modulation
Stripping Techniques
Barker Square Wave Stripping Voltammetry Differential Pulse Stripping Voltammetry Linear Sweep Stripping Voltammetry Osteryoung Square Wave Stripping Voltammetry
Time Base
Amperometric Differential Pulse Triple Pulse
Miscellaneous
Bulk Electrolysis with Coulometry Electrocapillary Curve Impedance Programmable Potential Wave Form
Table 1-1. Electrochemical repertoire of the BAS 100B/W.
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Features
Thirty-eight techniques
•
PC control through Windows interface
•
Interaction with other Windows applications
•
Point & click user interaction
•
High resolution graphics
•
100 µV potentiostat resolution
•
True charge to voltage converter for chronocoulometry
•
Hardware interfaces with Voltammetric Cell Stand, Controlled Growth
•
Mercury Electrode, Low Current Module, Power Module, Rotating Disk Electrode and A.C. Impedance Module Control of stirring, inert gas purging and mercury drop knock & dispense
•
Multiple experimental runs and averaging
•
Automatic and manual peak finding routines
•
Anson, Cottrell and Tafel plots
•
Laser printer and digital plotter output
•
Multiple data set display and printing
•
Digital smoothing by Moving Average, Least Squares and Fourier Transform
•
Integration, differentiation, semi-integration and semi-differentiation
•
Background subtraction
•
Standard math operations
•
Data storage (binary and text formats)
•
Macro capability
•
Specifications
Firmware
Programmed ROM 192 KB RAM 116 KB Video RAM 6 KB
I/O
Cell stand port Custom port for control of BAS Cell Stands
and Controlled Growth Mercury Electrode
Accessories port Custom parallel port for control of BAS
Modules and other accessories
Data link port RS-232C serial port for communication
between 100B and remote PC Analog output Potential and current Analog input Potential
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Potentiostat
Output compliance voltage
12 volts minimum
±
Applied voltage range -3.276 volts to +3.276 volts Minimum potential step size 100 microvolts Absolute accuracy Reference input impedance >10
2.5 millivolts
±
11
ohms Maximum output current 190 milliamperes Risetime <2 microseconds Slew rate 10 Volts/microsecond minimum Stability 500 microvolts/day Effects of ±10% input
power line variation 100 microvolts maximum
Noise and ripple 100 microvolts RMS maximum
Current to Voltage Converter
Maximum current 190 milliamperes Ranges 100 milliamperes/volt
10 milliamperes/volt 1 milliamperes/volt 100 microamperes/volt 10 microamperes/volt 1 microampere/volt 100 nanoamperes/volt
Fullscale output
10 volts
±
Input voltage drift 500 microseconds/day maximum Input current drift 25 picoamperes/day maximum Conversion rate 20,000 conversions/sec or
50 microseconds/conversion Absolute accuracy 1% fullscale Resolution 0.05% fullscale
Charge to Voltage Converter
Maximum charge 3.2 millicoulombs Range 10 microcoulombs/volt (auto range)
General
Input voltage 110 volts, 120 volts, 220 volts, 240 volts Alternating Current 50 or 60 Hertz Input power 720 watts maximum 1 power outlet 120 volts Alternating Current @ 2A total.
1 microcoulombs/volt
100 nanocoulombs/volt
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Minimum Personal Computer Requirements
Processors 80386, 16 MHz
80387, 16 MHz Memory 2 MB RAM Hard drive 80 MB Floppy drives 1.2 MB 5.25”
1.44 MB 3.5”
Ports 2 serial
1 parallel Mouse PS/2 Monitor 14” color VGA
Unpacking and Inspection
Carefully unpack the BAS 100B/W from the shipping containers. Examine all packing materials before discarding it. Inspect all parts for obvious damage. Compare items received with the packing documents.
Damaged Shipments
If any damage has occurred whether obvious or concealed, all claims must be made to the carrier, usually within 15 days of your receiving the shipment; otherwise, the carrier may not honor the claim. Once the item has been assigned to a carrier for shipment, the carrier is responsible for its safe delivery. The following are some guidelines to follow when damage is discovered. You should contact the carrier directly for specific claim procedures.
United Parcel Service (UPS), Parcel Post, Air Parcel Post
1. Retain container, packing material, and broken item for inspection by the
carrier.
2. Write or phone BAS with our order number, the data received and a
description of the damage. BAS will do everything possible to expedite repair or replacement of the items damaged.
Air Freight, Express or Truck
1. Contact the local agent of the transportation company immediately and
request an inspection.
2. Retain the container, packing material and damaged goods until the
examining agent has made an inspection report.
In all of the above cases, do not return damaged goods to BAS without first contacting our customer service personnel for a Return Authorization Number
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(RA#). When a defective part is returned to BAS, the RA number immediately identifies you as the sender and describes the item being returned. To avoid confusion, BAS refuses all unauthorized return shipments.
Product Warranty
Bioanalytical Systems, Inc. (BAS) warrants equipment by the company to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from the date of shipment, except as provided hereinafter. This assumes normal usage under commonly accepted operating parameters. BAS agrees to either repair or replace, at its sole option and free of part charges to the buyer, any parts of such instrumentation which, under proper and normal conditions of use, prove to be defective within 1 year from the date of shipment. Electrochemical cells and working electrodes are warranted for 60 days. This warranty and remedy are given expressly and in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, of merchantibility or fitness for particular purpose and constitutes the only warranty made by BAS.
BAS neither assumes or authorizes any person to assume for it any other liability in connection with the sale, installation, service or use of its instrumentation. BAS shall have no liability whatsoever for special, consequential or punitive damages of any kind from any cause arising out of the sale, installation, service or use of its instrumentation.
All products manufactured by BAS are tested and inspected prior to shipment. Upon prompt notification by the Buyer, BAS will correct any defects in warranteed equipment of its manufacture either (by our option) by return of the item to our factory, or shipment of a repaired or replacement part. BAS will not be obliged, however, to replace or repair any piece of equipment that has been abused, improperly installed, altered, damaged or repaired by others. Defects in equipment do not include decomposition, wear or damage by chemical action or corrosion.
Limited obligations covered by this warranty include:
a. In the case of instruments not of BAS manufacture, the original
manufacturer’s warranty applies.
b. Shipping charges under warranty are covered only in one direction. The Buyer
is responsible for shipping charges to the factory, if return of the part is required.
c. Expendable items including (but not limited to) carbon paste, reference
electrodes, source lights, panel lights and fuses are excluded from this warranty.
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Warranty Card
Each BAS analyzer system is shipped with a warranty card which should be completed and returned by the end user. This card will enable us to identify and contact the individual responsible for the operation of the instrument. Please return the card as soon as possible so that we may inform you of product updates and other pertinent technical information.
Extended Warranty Agreement
BAS offers an extended warranty “Full Protection Service Agreement” to customers purchasing this system. Please contact you Sales Representative or the Service Department at BAS for further details.
Service Information
Bioanalytical Systems provides a skilled staff available to solve you technical and equipment-oriented problems. For service, call (765) 463-4527 during normal working hours (Eastern Standard Time the year round) and ask for Customer Service. The operator will route your problem to the correct individual. Following discussion of your specific difficulties, an appropriate course of action will be described and the problem will be resolved accordingly.
Do not return any products for service until a Return Authorization Number (RA#) has been obtained. The RA# identifies you as the sender and describes the problem you are having in full detail. All correspondence and shipments should be sent to:
Service Department Bioanalytical Systems, Inc. 2701 Kent Avenue West Lafayette, IN 47906 RA# ________________
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2. Installation
The installation of the BAS 100B/W Electrochemical Workstation can be divided into 2 parts: installation of the BAS 100B Electrochemical Analyzer and installation of the Personal Computer (PC). These will be considered in turn.
2.1 Installation of the BAS 100B Electrochemical Analyzer
Placement
As the Electrochemical Analyzer stands in a vertical position, it requires little bench space. However, adequate space should be left near the Analyzer for the PC and any other accessories (e.g., Cell Stands, Low Current Module, Rotating Disk Electrode). In addition, the area in front of the Analyzer should not be obstructed, as an airflow through the Analyzer is required for cooling.
Power Requirements
The Analyzer can be powered by any of the following A.C. voltages: 100V, 120V, 220V, 240V. The A.C. frequency may be either 50 or 60 Hz. The main power source in the location must be the same as the voltage selected in the power cord connector on the rear panel of the Analyzer (see Figure 2-1). For best results, an isolated power line is recommended.
All Analyzers are configured for the correct voltage and frequency for the "SHIPPED TO" destination. If the instrument is going to be operated at a voltage other than the standard voltage for the "SHIPPED TO" area, then a change must be made to the input power connector. The instructions for changing the voltage requirements are discussed below.
All the peripheral devices requiring power (e.g., plotter, printer, C2 Cell Stand) can be powered by 110/120V and 50/60 Hz by plugging then into the power outlet on the rear panel of the instrument.
110/120 Volts and 60 Hz Operation
110/120V and 60 Hz are the standard power requirements for the Analyzer and its peripheral devices. All of these can be plugged into the usual mounted, main power outlets.
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Figure 2-1.
omitted).
Rear panel of BAS 100B (the ports that are not required for the BAS 100B/W are
VOLTAGE SELECT PCB
FUSE
FUSE PULL
Figure 2-2.
Power connector and voltage select.
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Before plugging the Analyzer power cord into a power socket, confirm that the correct voltage has been selected in the power cord connector. This is done as follows:
a. Remove the power cord from the power cord connector (the location of this
connector is shown in Figure 2-1).
b. Slide the plastic window to the left to expose the voltage select printed circuit
card (this card is shown in Figure 2-2). The orientation of this card in the connector determines the voltage option.
c. If the number printed on the outer edge of the board does not correspond to
the available voltage, pull out the card (the fuse must be removed first), and turn it (either by rotation or inversion) such that the desired voltage is exposed on the outside edge of the top board. Reinsert the board and replace the fuse.
If the Analyzer is operated from a power outlet without a safety ground connection, an appropriate adapter must be used. The ground connection of this adapter must be securely fastened to an external earth ground for safety and proper operation. A proper ground connection cannot be overemphasized.
The power cord is shipped as a separate item and must be plugged into the connector on the rear panel (Figure 2-1). To insert the power cord into the power socket, push up the plastic window and plug in the female end of the power cord. The plug type on the male end of the power cord may vary depending on the country of destination.
The A.C. frequency is checked for 50 or 60 Hz operation during the Self-Test sequence of the Analyzer that occurs on power up (see Section 5.12 for more details on this Self-Test).
220/240V and 50 Hz Operation
220/240V and 50 Hz are the standard power conditions available in many countries. The Analyzer can operate using such power sources and some of the peripheral devices and accessories can accommodate this power. Check each peripheral device for it's power requirements. A device requiring 110V can be ruined when plugged into a 220V power source.
To check or change the power requirements of the Analyzer:
a. Remove the power cord from the power cord connector (the location of this
connector is shown in Figure 2-1).
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b. Slide the plastic window to the left to expose the voltage select printed circuit
card (this card is shown in Figure 2-2). The orientation of this card in the connector determines the voltage option.
c. If the number printed on the outer edge of the board does not correspond to
the available voltage, pull out the card (the fuse must be removed first), and turn it (either by rotation or inversion) such that the desired voltage is exposed on the outside edge of the top board. Reinsert the board and replace the fuse.
If the Analyzer is operated from a power outlet without a safety ground connection, an appropriate adapter must be used. The ground connection of this adapter must be securely fastened to an external earth ground for safety and proper operation. A proper ground connection cannot be overemphasized.
The power cord is shipped as a separate item and must be plugged into the connector on the rear panel (Figure 2-1). To insert the power cord into the power socket, push up the plastic window and plug in the female end of the power cord. The plug type on the male end of the power cord may vary depending on the country of destination.
The A.C. frequency is checked for 50 or 60 Hz operation during the Self-Test sequence of the Analyzer that occurs on power up (see Section 5.12 for more details on this Self-Test).
Cell Connection
The cell lead cable is the group of wires that connects the Analyzer electronics to the electrodes of the electrochemical cell. One end of this cable plugs into CELL on the rear panel of the Analyzer (Figure 2-1) and the other end is attached to the electrodes. This may be a direct connection using the general purpose cable sent with the Analyzer or one for attachment to a cell stand such as the BAS C3 Cell Stand.
The general purpose cell cable terminates with alligator clips that attach directly to the cell electrodes (Figure 2-3). There are 3 electrode leads and 1 grounded (shielding) lead.
The color code is:
Black covered wire: Working Electrode lead Red covered wire: Auxiliary Electrode lead White covered wire: Reference Electrode lead Bare or Black wire w/lug Earth ground connector
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STRAIN RELIEF GROUND (BLACK)
TO CELL CONNECTOR
ON BAS 100A
REFERENCE (WHITE)
AUXILIARY (RED)
WORKING (BLACK)
Figure 2-3.
Cell (electrode) end of cell cable.
A plastic mounting lug near the end of the cell cable provides strain relief by preventing movement of the line or cell.
Cell Stand Connector
This connector is used to control cell stand functions (i.e., stirring, gas purging and drop knocking), and is plugged into the CELL STAND port on the rear panel of the Analyzer (Figure 2-4).
Figure 2-4.
Attaching cell lead to BAS 100B.
There are 3 cell stand configurations available for the BAS 100B/W Workstation (through
Setup
in the
File
menu). One configuration (C2) is for the BAS C2 Cell
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Stands, and the other two are for the BAS Controlled Growth Mercury Electrode (CGME) - one for the SMDE mode (
CGME
(
). The
SMDE
configuration can also be used with the PARC 303A
SMDE
) and one for the CGME mode
SMDE.
BAS C2/C3 Cell Stand
The purging and stirring functions on the BAS C3 Cell Stand can be controlled manually or through the BAS 100B/W. The REMOTE port on the rear of the Cell Stand is connected via a 25 pin ribbon cable to the CELL STAND port on the rear panel of the Analyzer.
CGME
The purge and stir functions on the BAS Controlled Growth Mercury Electrode (CGME) can be controlled manually or through the BAS 100B/W. In addition, the knock and dispense routines required for the SMDE and CGME modes are controlled by the BAS 100B/W, and the
Cell Stand
option in the
Setup
dialog box must be set appropriately. The jumper on the back panel board for Line 22 of the control cable must be in the connected position (Figure 2-5).
Figure 2-5.
panel board of the BASI100B.
Line 22 of the Cell Stand control cable must be disconnected via a jumper on the back
Jumper Position Line 22 Cell Stand
Connected CGME Disconnected PAR 303A
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PARC Model 303A SMDE
The jumper on the back panel board (Figure 2-6) must be in the disconnected position for the PARC 303A. The BAS 100B/W can be used to control the stirring, purging, knock and dispense of the PARC 303A SMDE. Two connections are required (Figure 2-6):
Figure 2-6.
Connector on 100B
PARC cell connections.
To CELL
To CELL STAND
Connector on 100B
1. Connect the CELL STAND port on the rear panel of the Electrochemical
Analyzer to the INPUT port on the rear panel of the 303A via a 25 pin ribbon cable (P/N EF-1600). Line 22 of this cable must be disconnected for proper operation of the 303A. Early versions of the BAS 100A require line 22 to be cut. Later versions of the BAS100A and BAS 100B have a jumper on the back panel board to disconnect line 22. However, line 22 is connected on the BAS 100B/W, so the position of the jumper must be switched in order for the knock function of the 303A to operate,
2. Use the Analog Signal Cable (P/N EW-8096) to connect CELL on the rear
panel of the Electrochemical Analyzer to the ELECTRODE TEST POINTS on the rear of the 303A. The pins on the end of the cable are inserted into the mounted sockets. The color code is:
Black pin into the WORK Electrode Socket Red pin into the CNTR Electrode Socket
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White pin into the REF Electrode Socket
Electrocapillary measurements can be done using the 303A, but only with manual control; that is, toggle the drop function switch to the DME position just before the start of the experiment and toggle to either SMDE or HMDE when the scan is complete.
Accessories
This port allows the BAS 100B/W to sense and control the accessories and special function modules available to the BAS 100B/W. The accessories that use this custom port are the Low-Current Module, the Power Module/Potentiostat, the Rotating Disk Electrode and the AC Impedance Module. More details are included in each of the accessories operations manual.
Plotter/Printer Connection
These ports are now obsolete as plotting and printing is controlled by the Windows software. Plotters and printers should therefore be connected to the PC.
Data Link
This port is used to communicate with the external PC via the cable and one of the serial communication ports (COM ports) on the PC via a standard RS-232C cable. This connection is shown in Figure 2-7.
Figure 2-7.
Attaching remote control (DATA LINK) cable to rear panel connnector.
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2.2 Installation of CPU Board for BAS 100B/W Upgrade
2
4
3
PC BOARDS A. Analog Board B. I/O Board C. CPU Board
1
4
A
B
C
2
a) Remove white plastic board support (item 1). NOTE: early BAS 100A models
do not have the board support.
b) Loosen four designated screws (Item 2) on card rack and slide card retainer
plates outward.
c) Remove necessary ribbon cables (Item 3) by pressing ejectors outward from
connectors and remove.
d) Remove the old CPU board (bottom board) by pressing ejectors (Item 4)
outward and pulling boards straight out. NOTE: Many of the large scale integrated circuits are static sensitive. DO NOT place on plastic (e.g., bubble pack), carpeting or other surface which may have static build-up.
e) To reinstall the new CPU board, reverse the above procedure.
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2.3 Installation of Replacement ROMs in the BAS 100B/W
a) Remove the CPU as described in section 2.2
b) Lay CPU board (Figure 2-8) on a flat surface. Components of the CPU board
are sensitive to static. Do not lay the board on carpeting, plastic (e.g., bubble wrap), or other surfaces that build up static charge.
Figure 2-8. CPU Board
c) Carefully pry ROM 1 out of its socket - be careful not to bend the legs of the
chips.
d) Properly align new ROM1 on the socket and press in. It is imperative that the
chip oriented as shown in Figure 2-8 (notched end away from the board edge with the ribbon cable connector). Be careful not to bend the legs and ensure that all the legs are inserted into the socket.
e) Replace ROMs 2 and 3 in the same way, and reinstall board.
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2.4 Personal Computer (PC) Installation
Machine Requirements
The BAS Windows software was written for use on BAS PCs. Other IBM compatible PCs may be able to run this software, but there are no guarantees.
The MINIMUM requirements for the BAS Windows software are:
a) 80386 processor running at 16 MHz, together with a math co-processor.
b) Hard disk drive.
c) MS-DOS version 5.0 or greater.
d) MS-Windows 3.1 or greater.
e) VGA monitor.
f) 2 serial interface connectors (one for communication with the Electrochemical
Analyzer and one for plotting using a serial port plotter)
g) 1 parallel interface connector for a parallel port printer (e.g., laser printer).
h) PS/2 mouse (do NOT use a serial mouse).
PC Connections
The important connections are:
a) VGA video display connector.
b) Keyboard connector
c) PS/2 mouse connector
d) Power cable connectors for the system unit and the monitor. The female ends
the two power cables should be connected to these. The male end of the monitor power cable should be plugged into the power socket on the rear of the system unit. The male end of the system unit power cable should be connected to a grounded power strip or outlet. It is VERY important to check that the correct voltage has been chosen using the line voltage connector (110/220 V). It is also advisable to install a line noise/surge protector between the power source and the PC.
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e) Serial interface connectors (COM1 and COM2). These can be used for any
serial RS232C device; for the BAS 100B/W, they are used for communication with the Electrochemical Analyzer and for plotting. COM1 is connected with the DATA LINK port on the rear panel of the Analyzer, and COM2 is connected with the chosen plotter.
f) Parallel interface connector. There is one parallel interface connector (LPT1),
which is used to connect a parallel printer via a parallel printer cable.
Setting up the BAS PC is described in more detail in the enclosed User's Guide.
Once the above connections have been made, the system unit and monitor can be powered up.
Software
All BAS PCs are shipped with MS-DOS, MS-Windows and BAS 100W Windows software already loaded on the hard disk drive, which is labeled as the C: drive. If a non-BAS PC is being used, the BAS 100W Windows software is loaded according to the following instructions (which assume that MS-DOS and MS-Windows have already been loaded).
1. Enter by Windows by typing win at the DOS prompt.
2. Insert the BAS 100W software disk into the appropriate floppy disk drive.
3. Select
b:install
Figure 2-9. Run dialog box.
4. The
Run
) in the
Install
from the
dialog box will appear (Figure 2-10). Unless specified otherwise,
File
menu in the
Command Line
Program Manager
, enter
(Figure 2-9), then click OK.
a:install
the BAS 100W software will be installed in the \BAS100W directory created by the installation routine. The BAS 100W icon will be installed in the BAS Programs group. Click
Install BAS100W
to start the installation.
(or
2-12
Page 24
Figure 2-10. Install dialog box.
5. The BAS 100W software is opened by double-clicking the BAS 100W icon.
Before any operation, it is advisable to check that the communication parameters are correct. These are contained in the
Setup
dialog box in the
File
menu (Figure 2-11).
Figure 2-11. Setup
Setup
The
communications options are as follows:
Com Port
Baud Rate
Line Freq.
dialog box.
This specifies which PC communications port is connected to the BAS 100B. A value of 0 disables the communication.
This specifies the rate at which information is transferred between the PC and the BAS 100B. This specifies the line frequency of the local A.C. voltage. The selected frequency determines the default
Sample Width
2-13
for pulse experiments.
Page 25
Cell Stand
The BAS 100B/W can control the purging and stirring for BAS Cell Stands and the BAS Controlled Growth Mercury Electrode (CGME). The knock/dispense routines for the
CGME
modes of the Mercury Electrode are also controlled by the BAS 100B/W, so the option must be set accordingly (the
SMDE
Cell Stand
SMDE
option
and
can also be used for the PAR 303A SMDE).
The other parameters in the
Setup
dialog box are discussed in Section 3 (see page
3-4).
Once the
Setup
communication parameters have been checked, the
Electrochemical Analyzer can be powered up. The system is now ready for use.
Printer/Plotter Configuration
Although a printer/plotter can be selected using the
Print
Options dialog box (see Section 9.2), the appropriate driver must first be installed. The drivers for older models of printers/plotters are contained on the Windows 3.x disks, and are installed using the Printer dialog box in the Control Panel. However, the drivers for more recent models have to be provided by the printer manufacturer, and require a different method of installation; however, explicit instructions are typically provided with the printer, so installation should cause no problems.
2-14
Page 26
3. File Menu
3.1 File Dialog Box
The BAS 100W software uses standard Windows file dialog boxes for transfer of data files between disk drives and the main memory and for other file manipulation.
Load Data File
The
dialog box is shown in Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1. File
File Name
File List box
List Files of Type
dialog box.
This field is used to specify the name of the file, which can be either typed or selected from the Once the file name is shown in the field, click activate the selected operation.
This list box lists all files of the type specified in the
Files of Type Directories List
file name or click on the file name and then click
To select two or more data files (for commands that accept multiple files), drag the mouse over the desired files names or hold down the last files in the group. If the files are separated, hold down
<Ctrl>
the the same directory.
BAS 100W recognizes its own files by using specific extensions, such as .BIN, .TXT or .MOD. If only one extension type is permitted, then that type of file is selected automatically. When more than one type of file is allowed, the program initially selects the previous choice, but allows selection of the alternate file types.
field from the sub-directory selected in the
field. To select a file, double-click on the
<Shift>
key while selecting. Multiple files must be in
key as you select the first and
File List box
[OK]
[OK]
below.
to
List
.
3-1
Page 27
Directories List
The current pathname is shown above this list box, and is updated when a different disk drive or directory is selected. The path is changed by selecting one of the directories shown in this list and then clicking [OK] or pressing
Enter
< directory). Files in the selected directory (which is now the default directory) will then be listed in the
> (alternatively, you can double-click on the desired
Files List
.
Drive Select
This drop-down list box show the current disk drive. To select a different drive, click on the [ and select the desired drive.
Down-Arrow
3.2 Load Data
Load Data
The in either binary (.BIN) or text (.TXT, .CRL, .SPC and .TAB) format. .TXT files from earlier BAS File Service programs can also be loaded.
command reloads a data file previously saved by the 100W software,
3.3 List Data
List Data
The of the data without having to save the data as a text file. During listing, you can press
Enter
<
Pause
[
> to Pause the listing or press <
] or [
command lists the data currently in main memory. This allows review
Esc
> to Cancel further lines or click on
Cancel
] in the BAS100W Listing box.
3.4 Save Data
] box
Data can be saved in the BAS100W's compact binary (.BIN) format or in the text (.TXT, .CRL, .SPC and .TAB) format, which can be read by other programs.
3.5 List Text File
List Text File
The (.TXT, .CRL, .SPC and .TAB) format. Any text file having the .TXT, .CRL, .SPC and .TAB extension can be listed. During listing, you can press < listing or press < BAS100W Listing box.
command is used to list data files previously saved in the text
Esc
> to Cancel further lines or click on [
3-2
Pause
Enter
> to Pause the
Cancel
] or [
] in the
Page 28
3.6 Convert Files
Convert Files
.CRL, .SPC and .TAB) formats. Up to 100 files can be selected. After the file(s) have been selected, the program prompts you to confirm the number of files. The text format is determined by the
As the converted files are listed on the screen, you can press < listing or press < BAS100W Listing box.
Note
: Files cannot be connected from one text format to another text format.
is used to convert data files between the binary (.BIN) and text (.TXT,
Text Data Format
Esc
> to Cancel further lines or click on [
dialog box (3.10).
Pause
Enter
> to Pause the
Cancel
] or [
3.7 Delete Files
Delete Files
selected, the program prompts you to confirm the number of files.
As the deleted files are listed on the screen, you can press < listing or press < BAS100W Listing box.
can delete up to 100 files of any type. After the file(s) have been
Enter
> to Pause the
Esc
> to Cancel further lines or click on [
Pause
] or [
Cancel
] in the
] in the
3.8 Rename Files
Rename Files
The changed. After the file(s) have been selected, the program prompts you to enter the new file name.
command allows the names of up to 100 files of any type to be
3.9 Setup
Figure 3-2. Setup
dialog box.
3-3
Page 29
Com Port
This specifies which PC communications port is connected to the BAS 100B. A value of 0 disables the communication.
Baud Rate
Line Freq.
Cell Stand
Purge/Stir Couple
This specifies the rate at which information is transferred between the PC and the BAS 100B.
This specifies the line frequency of the local A.C. voltage. The selected frequency determines the default
Width
for pulse experiments - 17 ms for 60 Hz and 20 ms
Sample
for 50 Hz (1 line cycle is selected in order to minimize line frequency interference).
The BAS 100B/W can control the purging and stirring for the BAS Cell Stands and the BAS Controlled Growth Mercury Electrode (CGME). The knock/dispense routines for the
SMDE
are also controlled by the BAS 100B/W, so the option must be set accordingly (the
and
CGME
modes of the Mercury electrode
Cell Stand
SMDE
option can also
be used for the PAR 303A SMDE).
This activates purging/stirring between experiments.
This couples purging and stirring during the deposition step of stripping experiments.
Audible Knock
PreDrops
This activates a beep before and after each run
This synchronizes the drop knock/dispense of a mercury electrode with the end of the potential pulse. If
Knock
is not checked, then no knock or dispense will occur before or during the experiment when using the modes (however, if
Growth
dialog box is checked, then the valve is held open,
Controlled DME
SMDE
in the
CGME
or
Controlled
but no knock occurs). This is the number of mercury drops dispensed from a
mercury electrode before the start of an experiment (provided the
Knock
option is checked). For
experiments using the BAS CGME, the number of
Drops
number entered. For
Pre Drops
depends on the selected drop size as well as the
CGME
experiments, the number of
delivered will match the number entered,
SMDE
Pre
regardless of the drop size, and entering 0 will allow the same drop to be used for multiple experiments (except in polarography experiments).
3-4
Page 30
Oxidation Current Polarity
This specifies the sign of an oxidation current - positive (IUPAC convention) or negative (classical convention).
3.10 Text Data Format
When data are listed on the screen, or saved in a text format, each data point includes an X value (typically potential or time), and one or more Y values (typically current or charge). The delimiters.
Text Data Format
dialog box provides a selection of data column
Figure 3-3. Text Data Format
The file extension for each format option is indicated in parentheses. The default delimiter is
segments
separators between segments. These files cannot be loaded back into the 100W program.
Comma + Space
will allow conversions of
dialog box.
, and the default extension is
.bin
to a text format without the header and the
.txt
Omit conditions and
.
3.11 Exit
Upon exiting the software, the method parameters for the last experiment are saved in a TEMP.MOD file, and the sizes and positions are saved in a 100W.INI file.
Setup
options,
Graph Options
and
Colors
, window
3-5
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4. Method Menu
4.1 Load/Save Method
This allows an experimental contain the parameters entered in for the
Results Options
boxes.
. These operations are performed using standard Windows file dialog
Method
(.MOD) to be
4.2 Select Mode
There are 38
Categories
Category are displayed in the technique can then be selected. After selection, the is automatically opened (Figure 4-2).
Technique
. When a given
s available on the BAS 100B/W, which are divided into 9
Category
Technique
is highlighted, the modes associated with that
Load
Method
list box (Figure 4-1). The required
and
General Parameters
ed or
Control
Save
d. Method files
menus, and the
dialog box
Figure 4-1. Select Mode
dialog box.
4-1
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4.3 General/Specific Parameters
Some electrochemical techniques require many different parameters, and this can cause confusion. For ease of operation, the parameters are divided into two categories,
General
and
Specific
.
General Parameters
standard values for these parameters. potential range ( of the current-to-voltage converter) (Figure 4-2). Other
Scan Rate
the hydrodynamic and stripping experiments.
Figure 4-2. General Parameters
dialog box for
CV
.
must be set by the user for each experiment, as there are no
General parameters
Initial E, Final E, High E
(for linear sweep experiments) and the
Low E
and
Figure 4-3. Specific Parameters
dialog box for
always include the
) and the
General Parameters
Sensitivity
Rotation Rate
DPV.
(the gain
include
(for
Specific Parameters
for most conditions. They do not have to be set by the user for each experiment, although values other than the default values can be entered. typically include the parameters that define the potential wave form (for techniques other than linear sweep, potential step and time based); for example, the
Frequency
and
Pulse Width
and
have default values, which have been chosen to be reasonable
Specific Parameters
of square wave and sinusoidal potentials and the
Pulse Period/Drop Time
for pulse experiments (Figure 4-3).
Sample Width
Amplitude
4.4 List Parameters
List Parameter
The
Parameters
command lists the present values of the
.
4-2
General
and
,
Specific
Page 33
4.5 Filter
Analog filtering is used during data acquisition to lower the output noise. The analog filtering in the BAS 100B/W is a two stage network (Figure 4-4). The first stage is an RC filter, which is followed by a Bessel filter. The filtering characteristics of each stage can be varied, and are related to the time scale of the technique being used. The capacitor in the RC filter should be chosed to give a time constant (RC) that is at least 10 times smaller than the time scale of the experiment. Similarly, the cut-off frequency for the Bessel filter must be at least 10 times larger than the frequency of the electrochemical technique being used. If too much filtering is used, then significant distortion of the experimental data can occur.
Figure 4-4. Filter
The amount of filtering used can be determined automatically using the (this is the default option). It is generally advisable to use this option. However, the filters can be changed by the user through the selected fromdrop-down list boxes).
When the Low Current Module (LCM) is being used, the BAS 100B/W filters are disabled by the filters can be re-enabled using the
dialog box.
Auto
option, and the only the
Manual
Manual
LCM Filter
option.
Auto
option
option (the desired filter is
is used. The BAS 100B/W
4-3
Page 34
4.6 Deposit Options
Deposit Options
The default for this parameter is the initial potential for the potential scan ( If some other potential is required, then the the required potential should be entered in the
Figure 4-5. Deposit Options
is used to define the deposition potential for stripping experiments.
Initial E
Deposit E
Deposit E
dialog box.
option should be selected, and
field (Figure 4-5).
4.7 Stabilizing Capacitor
A stabilizing capacitor is only required when using iR compensation, or for Bulk Electrolysis (BE) experiments. In both these cases, the or 1 µF capacitor into the circuit. The when using the with caution, since the addition of capacitors can affect the frequency response of the system.
Manual iR
option (Figure 4-6). The
Manual
option generally only needs to be used
Auto
Manual
option switches a 0.1 µF
option should be used
).
Figure 4-6. Stabilizing Capacitor
dialog box.
4-4
Page 35
4.8 Hydrodynamic Modulation
This specifies additional parameters for the Hydrodynamic Modulation ( technique (Figure 4-7).
Figure 4-7. Hydrodynamic Modulation
Data Processing
Rotate during Quiet Time
dialog box.
This specifies the method for handling the A.C. current output (
A finite length of time is required for the Rotating Disk Electrode to reach the selected rotation rate. Therefore, rotation is started during the Quiet time to ensure that the desired rotation rate has been attained when the potential scan is started.
Lock-in
or
Rectify
).
HDM
)
Modulation
This option switches on the modulation of the rotation rate.
4.9 Controlled Growth
This specifies drop growth parameters for the CGME mode of the BAS Controlled Growth Mercury Electrode for both pulse and stripping experiments (Figure 4-8).
CGME
The box for this item to be activated.
CGME
In the (pulses). There are three parameters that defined this series: duration of each pulse), pulses). These parameters are entered under
mode must be selected for the
mode, the mercury drop is grown using a series of valve openings
Number of Pulses
Cell Stand
Delay Time
and
Knock and Dispense Control
options in the
(the time between the
Setup
Pulse Width
.
dialog
(the
4-5
Page 36
Figure 4-8. Controlled Growth
dialog box.
The CGME can also be used as a DME when in the
Controlled DME
check box. This will open the valve at the start of the experiment
CGME
mode by activating the
and close it at the end of the experiment. The mercury will flow freely during the course of the experiment and the of the drop knocker) is selected using
Dropping Time
Specific Parameters
(i.e., the time between activations
(the natural drop time at low potentials in aqueous solution for the standard 150 µm capillary is typically slightly less than 1 s).
CGME
The
mode can also be used for anodic stripping voltammetry (Z. Kowalski and J. Migdalski, Electroanalysis 4 (1992) 915). The mercury drop is grown incrementally during the deposition step using a series of pulses. The drop size is again determined by the under the
Deposit Time
Drop Control for Deposition
Drop Control for Deposition
and the
Number of Pulses
45 s of the
Deposit Time
Pulse Width
Number of Pulses
is 4, then the pulses will occur at the beginning and at 15, 30 and
and the
. The incremental growth in activated by clicking
check box. The Delay Time is determined by the
.
Number of Pulses
: if the
Deposit Time
, which are entered
is 60 s and the
4-6
Page 37
5. Control Menu
5.1 Start Run
This command (or F2) initiates the experiment. During runs, all menus are disabled except the Control commands: Start Run, Hold/Continue Run, Reverse Scan and Stop Run. After completion of the run, the menus are re-enabled according to the present mode and data set.
After a single run, the graph is replotted according to the present Graph Options if data are available (the Step and Cycle modes never produce data). The Filename label that appears above the graph is cleared to indicate that the data are not yet saved. For single runs, the data are not saved automatically; the Save Data command in the File menu must be used.
5.2 Hold/Continue
Clicking this option (or F3) holds the experiment at a given potential. The experiment can be restarted by clicking the option again.
5.3 Reverse Scan
The command (or F4) reverses the direction of the potential scan for CV experiments. The data for experiments in which this function has been used should be saved as text files (binary files will not save the revised potential values correctly).
5.4 Stop Run
This command (or F5) stops the experiment.
5-1
Page 38
5.5 Run Options
Figure 5-1. Run Options dialog box.
This command allows some automation when running experiments.
a) It Runs and the Time Interval between the runs must be specified by the user
(Note: the Time Interval is in addition to the time required to transfer the data to disk). The data files are stored automatically after the run in the binary (.BIN) format (the Base Filename and the Path (drive and directory) must be specified by the user). The first run starts immediately after [OK] is selected, unless a warning is given that existing files will be overwritten by this operation. During each run, the title of the graph shows the filename of that run. Between runs, a small dialog box shows the filenames of the previous and next runs, and the time remaining before the next run. The filenames of the completed runs are listed in the Main window.
If the Find peaks after run box is checked (Results Options in the Analysis menu), a Results Graph and Results List is produced after each run, rather than a Single Graph. Note that is may require additional time to calculate the results: therefore, if the Time Interval between runs is critical, this option should be unchecked.
Pressing <Esc> at any time during a series of Multiple Runs will abort the present run and any further runs.
The number of the first run can be specified using Next Run Number. This allows a previous set of multiple runs to be continued.
b) If a Result file name is entered, the program creates a file containing one result
line for each run, nicely formatted according to the Data Column Separator option selected in the Text Data Format dialog box. Both multiple and single runs append lines to the result file if it is enabled. Comma+Space format (.CSV extension) and Tab format files are very easy to import into Excel. For convenience of importing, all text labels are extracted from the Result file,
5-2
Page 39
leaving just the data values. Note: Car. Ret + Linefeed format works differently than the other formats--it saves an exact copy of all lines listed on the screen during each run.
c) The data from single experimental runs can be save automatically by clicking
Auto-save data for single runs. The Path and Base Filename must be specified.
d) Clicking Enter label before saving data allows the user to specify a label for the
data file of the experiment just run (a dialog box is displayed after each run). This can be used for both single and multiple runs. However, for multiple runs, the time available for entering the label is limited by the Time Interval. If it is less than 10 seconds, this option is not available. For longer Time Intervals, once the time has expired, the data are saved with whatever label has been entered, and the next run is then started. After a label has been entered, and [OK] has been clicked, the standard timer dialog box appears to count down any excess time that remains.
5.6 List Run Data
When this command is checked in the menu, the experimental data are listed on the screen during runs if the data rate is slow enough (as determined by the software) to allow time for listing.
5.7 iR Compensation
In any potentiostatic experiment, it is assumed that the potential drop across the interfacial region at the working electrode is the same as the potential applied between the reference and working electrode. However, this is not true, since there is some iR drop between these two electrodes due to solution resistance. This resistance can be lowered by addition of supporting electrolyte, and in many cases does not need to be considered. However, there are instances where it is detrimental to the experiment; in these cases, it can be compensated for electronically. On the BAS 100B/W, this is achieved by the iR Compensation command.
There are two stages to Auto iR Compensation on the BAS 100B/W (P. He and L.R. Faulkner, Anal. Chem. 58 (1986) 523):
a) measurement of the uncompensated resistance b) compensation and circuit stability testing
5-3
Page 40
Measurement of Uncompensated Resistance
In this measurement, the electrochemical cell is considered to be electronically equivalent to an RC circuit; that is, the uncompensated resistance (R
with the double-layer capacitance (C
) (Figure 5-2). Since a Faradaic impedance
dl
is not considered as part of this model, the test potential (Test E) must be at a value at which no Faradaic process occurs. A 50 mV potential step (∆E) is applied around this potential (i.e., Test E-25 mV to Test E+25 mV), and the current is sampled at 54 µs and 72 µs after the step is applied. The current decays exponentially, and the initial current (I
zero time (Figure 5-3). Since ∆E = I
) is calculated by extrapolating back to
o
oRu
measurement. To reduce any error, this measurement is performed 256 times, and the results averaged.
) is in series
u
, Ru can be calculated from this
R
u
C
dl
W
A
Figure 5-2.
R
c
R
RC circuit used for calculation of the solution resistance.
-t/R C
i e
o
i
u dl
Figure 5-3.
Exponential decay of current response.
0 54 72
t/µs
5-4
Page 41
Ru/Ω
50.3 38 29 -42
100.4 94 92 -8.4 150 146 145 -3.3 200 198 198 -1.0 250 250 249 -0.4 300 302 301 +0.3 347 350 349 +0.6 401 406 404 +0.7 452 360 449 -0.7
Table 5-1. Measured resistance and time constant via exponential extrapolation (P. He and L.R. Faulkner, Anal. Chem. 58 (1986) 523).
measured RC
time constant/µs
measured Ru/Ω
error of R
measurement/ %
u
Table 5-1 shows the results of resistance measurements for various dummy cells using exponential extrapolation. There is very good agreement when the time constant is greater than 200 µ the time constant is below 100
s; however, the error in the extrapolation is large if
µ
s, since the current has decayed significantly by
the time the response is sampled. Therefore, the Auto iR Compensation may not work when the uncompensated resistance is low, and/or the time constant is small.
Compensation and Circuit Stability Testing
Compensation is achieved by positive feedback into the potentiostat. However, problems due to circuit instability can arise, even when the degree of compensation is significantly less than 100%. Therefore, the positive feedback is applied in increments of the calculated uncompensated resistance: 5% increments up to 80%, 2% increments from 80% to 90%, and 1% increments thereafter. The stability of the circuit is tested after each increment. The degree of compensation is defined by the user (default = 100%).
In the stability test, a 50 mV potential step around Test E is again applied, and the current data are collected at a rate of 20000 points/sec for 50 ms. A baseline is measured by collecting data shortly before the potential step is applied, and these baseline values are subtracted from the potential step data to yield net current values.
As the percent compensation increases, the current response at first exhibits a "ringing effect" following exponential decay (Figure 5-4) which would eventually go into oscillation. The degree of pre-oscillation ringing can quantitated by a term defined as Overshoot, which the ratio of a minimum (net negative) current value (I
) to a maximum current value (I
min
Overshoot = (I
min/Imax
) x 100. The maximum allowable Overshoot value is
) expressed as a percentage: that is,
max
defined by the user (Default = 10%). If the measured Overshoot value is less than the maximum allowable value, then compensation is continued. If it is greater, and the desired level of compensation has not yet been achieved, a capacitor is
5-5
Page 42
inserted between the reference and auxiliary electrodes to stabilize the circuit, and the testing is continued until the desired level of compensation is achieved or the Overshoot value is exceeded (if this occurs, the amount of compensation to be used in the experiment is slightly decreased from this value). One way to increase the level of compensation is to increase the Overshoot percentage. It is usually safe to go up to 40%.
I
max
I
min
Figure 5-4. "Ringing" of the current response.
If the desired compensation cannot be obtained using Auto iR Compensation, then a user-specified compensation resistance can be applied using the Manual option. If this option is used, then a stabilizing capacitor may also need to be selected manually (see Stabilizing Capacitor in the Method menu)
Figure 5-5. iR Compensation
1) Using Auto iR Compensation:
a) Select the Auto option from Status.
b) Select the appropriate option from Enable. If Once is chosen, then only
the next experiment performed will be iR compensated. If Always is selected, then the amount of compensation determined by the iR Test will
dialog box.
5-6
Page 43
be used for every subsequent run (Note: if Always is chosen, the instrument does not redo the iR Test before every run).
c) Before Auto iR Compensation can be used the iR Test must first be run.
This test requires three parameters values to be specified by the user:
Test E (this must be a potential at which no Faradaic process occurs) Comp. Level (the degree of compensation: default = 100%) Overshoot (the extent of instability allowed in the circuit: default = 10%)
d) Click iR Test . As the test is running, the following results are displayed
in the Main window:
Uncompensated resistance (R Cell RC constant (the product of R
)
u
and Cdl) (these are the results of the
u
resistance measurements)
R to be compensated (percentage of R
used in positive feedback)
u
Uncompensated R (uncompensated R remaining after compensation)
(these are the results of the stability testing)
e) Ensure that the iR Comp for Next Run check box is activated.
f) Click OK to exit.
2) Using Manual iR Compensation
a) Select the Manual option from Status.
b) Select the appropriate option from Enable.
c) Enter the desired Resistance.
d) Ensure that the iR Comp for Next Run check box is activated.
e) Click OK to exit.
5.8 Measure Rest Potential
This command measures the open circuit potential. This potential is particularly important in studies on corrosion (corrosion potential) and batteries (open circuit potential), and it can be used as the initial potential in voltammetry experiments.
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Page 44
5.9 Measure Impedance
This command is used to calibrate the BAS 100B/W for impedance experiments (BAS Impedance Module required). This calibration requires a 1000 ohm resistor, which is connected to the working electrode on one side and the reference and auxiliary electrodes on the other. The Initial E (in the General Parameters) must be set to zero. The Reference command button calibrates the entire frequency range, using the default parameters. The results are stored in a calibration table in battery­backed RAM, so the Reference procedure does not have to be repeated for the lifetime of the battery. This calibration requires many hours, so is best done overnight. If the Impedance Module was purchased with the BAS 100B/W, this operation was done in the factory before shipping. If not, it must be done by the user.
Figure 5-6. Impedance Control dialog box.
The Calibration command button generates a special calibration table to be used under a given set of user-defined conditions (e.g., frequency range, amplitude). However, this calibration table is not stored in battery-backed RAM, and is lost when the main power is switched off. Once the calibration tables have been set up, either may be used (select the Use Reference/Calibration Constants).
During calibration, numerical values are displayed in the Run window. These values are meaningless, and should be ignored. Once the calibration has been completed, close the Run window and click OK.
5.10 Immediate Purge/Stir
The Immediate Purge/Stir command allows stirring and/or purging for a set length of time. Purging and stirring can be coupled by checking both boxes in the dialog box.
5-8
Page 45
gure 5-7. Immediate Purge/Stir dialog box.
Fi
5.11 Clean Electrode
The Clean command is used to hold the electrode at a fixed potential for a set length of time without accumulating any data. This can be useful for generating clean, reproducible working electrode surfaces.
Figure 5-8. Clean Electrode dialog box.
5.12 Self-Test Hardware
This command initiates the potentiostat electronic self-test. The results of the test are displayed in the Main window (Figure 5-9).
Figure 5-9.
Self-Test Hardware
result.
5-9
Page 46
5.13 Cell On/Off
When Cell On is selected, the working electrode is connected at all times. When Cell Off is selected, the working electrode is only connected during experimental runs.
For most experiments, the cell should be off between runs, since there is more chance of damaging the instrument (and of personal injury when using the PWR-3) if the cell leads are connected/disconnected when the cell is on.
5-10
Page 47
6. Math Menu
6.1 Operators
A variety of mathematical operations can be performed on either the X or Y data. These are addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, reciprocal, square, square root, exponent and logarithm (Figure 6-1). In addition, the slope of the baseline can be adjusted. Activating main memory. If this is not activated, the processed data can be displayed only once (after the math operation has been completed).
It should be noted that there is a difference in the way the X data is saved for binary and text files. In binary files, only the initial and final X points and the X sample interval are saved, and the remaining X data points are generated when the file is loaded. However, in text files, all the X data are saved. Therefore, processed X data can only be saved in the text format.
Replace Current Data
will transfer the processed data to
Figure 6-1. Operators
6.2 Smooth
The digital smoothing routines are used to remove unwanted noise from the electrochemical signal thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio and giving more reliable information. In all data manipulation programs, attempts are made not to bias the signal. The major effect of the programs in the BAS 100W is the elimination of the higher frequency components of the signal, typically 10's of Hz and greater (the
dialog box.
6-1
Page 48
exact cutoff frequency depends on both the electrochemical and smoothing techniques). There are 3 methods for digital smoothing. These are:
a) a modified variable point linear smoothing routine ( b) a variable point least squares smoothing routine ( c) a Fourier Convolution smoothing routine (
Fourier Transform
Moving Average
Least Square
)
)
)
Moving Average
In the modified 5-point linear smooth, data is examined in 5 point blocks. Within each block, the first, second, fourth and fifth points are summed and divided by 4. This number (an averaged current value) replaces the third point in the block. The averaging routine moves up 1 point, and repeats the averaging sequence. This routine is repeated for all points.
The first 2 points of the data set are set equal to point 3 and the last 2 points of the data set are set equal to the third from last point. At times, this appears as spurious data points at the ends of the plot. This is unavoidable and is normal.
The only requirement for the number of points is a block is that this number is odd. Any odd number between 5 and 25 can be chosen on the BAS 100W - the larger the number of points, the greater the smoothing.
Least Squares
This digital smoothing function is based on the work of Savitzky and Golay: A. Savitzky and M. J. E. Golay, Anal. Chem. 36 (1964) 1627 - 1639. The smoothing is a quadratic least squares operation working on data blocks of n points (where n is any odd number between 5 and 25).
Fourier Transform
This digital smoothing routine is based on Prof. Donald Smith's work. A more in­depth review of this process is given in D. E. Smith, Anal. Chem. 48 (1976) 517A
- 526A and references therein.
The process involves the Fourier Transform of the time or potential based data array, multiplying this frequency spectrum by a frequency domain filter function and then performing the inverse Fourier Transform to give filtered original data. This technique is extremely effective at removing unwanted noise, although the computation time required is slightly longer than the other smoothing routines. Data blocks must be less than 1024 points.
The dialog box for
Smooth
is shown below (Figure 6-2).
6-2
Page 49
Figure 6-2. Smooth
dialog box.
Smoothing Mode
Point/Cutoff
Smooth After Run
Replace Current Data
Smooth
OK
Cancel
This command exits the dialog box without saving
Default:
This controls the degree of smoothing (higher
When activated, the experimental data is
Moving Average
Point
/lower
Default: 7 (
automatically smoothed at the end of the experiment.
Activating this command will transfer the processed data to main memory
This command activates selected smoothing routine on the data in main memory.
This command exits the dialog box whilst retaining any changes.
any changes.
Cutoff
Point
produces greater smoothing).
Cutoff
), 20 (
)
6.3 Derivative/Integral
These are self-explanatory mathematical operations on the current data of the I-E curves. For differentiation, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd order derivatives are available (Figure 6-3), and are selected using the
Derivative
the Activating the
mode, since differentiation can lead to an increase in the noise level.
Replace Current Data
Order
option. Additional smoothing is available for
transfers the processed data to main memory.
6-3
Page 50
Figure 6-3. Derivative
dialog box.
Differentiation of I is often used for accurate calculation of peak potentials (1st derivative) and half-wave potentials (2nd derivative).
6.4 Convolution
In addition to differentiation and integration, semi-differentiation and semi­integration are also commonly used for processing electrochemical data. Both of these processes are available on the BAS 100W as (Figure 6-4). Additional smoothing is available for semi-differentiation, since this process can increase the noise level. The convoluted data can transferred to main memory us ing
Replace Current Data
. Semi-differentiation is particularly useful for cyclic voltammetry, since it can produce a considerable improvement in the resolution of closely spaced peaks. Semi-integration can be used to remove the effects of iR drop.
Convolution Mode
options
Figure 6-4. Convolution
dialog box.
6-4
Page 51
6.5 Background
This command can be used to subtract a voltammogram stored on the hard disk from the voltammogram in the main memory. The data file for subtraction is selected from
Background File
the dialog boxes, see the voltammograms MUST be the same. The subtracted data can be transferred to main memory using
Replace Current Data
dialog box (Figure 6-5) (for a more detailed discussion of file
File
menu section). The potential range of the two
.
Figure 6-5. Background File
dialog box.
6.6 Average
This command is used to average data files. Up to 100 files can be selected (from the
Average Files
description of file dialog boxes).
Figure 6-6. Average Files
dialog box (Figure 6-6) - see
dialog box.
File
menu section for a more detailed
6-5
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7. Analysis
7.1 Results Graph
The data available from an electrochemical experiment may be peak potentials and currents, half-wave potentials and limiting currents, slopes and intercepts of straight line plots or the amount of charge passed during the experiments. These data can be obtained using the
Results Graph
.
There are two options available:
Results Options
windows displays the experimental data, the baseline for peak measurements and the best fit straight line for linear plots (the size and position of this windows can be changed by the user (by dragging the borders or the caption), and are defined initially by the BAS100W.INI file). The The experimental results (see below) are listed in the
CV, LSV
HR (even-numbered segments)
ACV/P, BSWV/P, DPV/P DTACV/P, OSWV
dialog box. When the
, Experimental results - peak potential, current and
Auto
Auto
option also selects the appropriate
Selected plot - tailed curve Experimental results - peak potential, current and area
Selected plot - tailed curve Experimental results - peak potential, current and area
, Selected plot - symmetric curve
area
and
Auto
Manual
. These can be selected from the
option is selected, the
Main
window.
Results Graph
Peak Shape
.
PSACV/P, TACV/P
BSWSV, DPSV, LSSV OSWSV
HDM, NPV/P, RDE, SCP
CA, CC
, Selected plot - symmetric curve
Experimental results - peak potential, current and area
Selected plot - sigmoidal curve Experimental results - half-wave potential
Selected plot - straight line plots (i vs. t Q vs. t
1/2
for CC)
7-1
-
1/2
for CA,
Page 53
Experimental results - slope and intercept
(N.B. Due to the finite time required for the potential step to be complete, the data in the first few milliseconds of potential step experiments is often distorted. The BAS 100W
Auto
option therefore only uses the last 80% of the collected
data when calculating slopes and intercepts).
BE
Experimental results - Initial current
End current Current ratio Time Total charge Net charge
LOGI
Selected plot - I vs. E curve Experimental results - minimum potential, log i at the minimum potential
ECM
Experimental results - t
and potential of zero
max
charge
There are no results available for HR (odd-numbered segments),
IMP
and
In addition to the
.
Results Graph
Results Graph
, the
window also displays the
DPTB, TB, TPTB
coordinates of the mouse cursor as it is moved within the axes. A selected area can be expanded (Zoomed) by dragging the mouse (using the left mouse button) between diagonally opposite corners of the defining rectangle. This operation can be reversed by clicking the left mouse button.
When using the the user. Click and hold down the
Manual
option, the baselines for calculation of results are defined by
right
mouse button at the starting point of the baseline and drag the mouse across the graph to the end point of the baseline. As the mouse is moved within the
Results Graph
window, the coordinates of the mouse cursor are shown in the lower left corner. The number of baselines that must be defined depends on the nature of the plot:
a) Symmetric and tail curves - define one baseline b) Sigmoidal curves - define two baselines c) Straight line plots - define two points on the X axis
For symmetric and tailed plots, the peak area is also listed in the Main window (the peak area is the area between the curve and the user-defined baseline (Figure 7-1)).
7-2
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PEAKAREA
PEAKAREA
Ap
BASELINE
PEAK
POTENTIAL
BASELINE
PEAK
POTENTIAL
PEAK
CURRENT
PEAK
CURRENT
Figure 7-1.
Peak area for symmetric and tailed curves.
Determination of Peak Potentials and Inflection Points
NOTE: If there are fewer than 30 points available in a data set of segment, peak finding is not possible and a warning message is shown.
The peak potentials of tailed and symmetric current-potential curves and inflection points of sigmoidal current-potential curves are determined by the manipulation of the first or second derivatives respectively. First derivatives are calculated as differentials across a potential window, ∆E, of about 25 mV; that is,
I is calculated as I(E-25 mV)-I(E). This order is used to produce a consistent
∆
sign convention. The 25 mV interval is not rigid. The actual value is chosen such that an odd number of data points intervene, so that the ∆I value can be assigned to the middle potential of the interval. The derivative plots are actually plots of these ∆I's vs. assigned median ∆E values, not ∆I/∆E vs. ∆E, so the vertical axis has dimensions of current on the same scale used for the ∆I vs. ∆E plot. The derivative values for the first 12 mV and the last 12 mV in a scan are simply equated to the values assigned to the first and last potentials at which ∆I values could be assigned. The second derivative works in the same way, but it operates on the first derivative array.
Peak potentials are determined by examining the first derivative plots. The peak potential value, E
to minus or minus to plus. The first ∆I sign reversal becomes the E
, is determined by first looking for a sign reversal; that is, plus
p
window (note
p
7-3
Page 55
that a 25 mV potential window is being examined for each ∆I calculated). To ensure that it is a true peak (i.e., not merely noise), two criteria must be met. First, the 3 points (∆I values) on either side of the E
window are examined for
p
continuity of sign; that is, there are three consecutive positive values on the plus side and three consecutive negative values on the minus side. If this test is passed, the actual E
value is determined by choosing the largest current value, I
p
max
, in a potential window that is 25 mV greater than and less than the median E of the E window.
The second criterion provides a measure of the rate at which the peak is being generated. A rapidly changing peak is more likely to be noise rather than a real electrochemical peak. This noise discrimination routine is implemented by examining the peak width at 50, 100 and 150 mV preceding the peak potential E (Figure 7-). The peak width ratio ∆E50/∆E100, ∆E50/∆E150 and ∆E100/∆E150 are calculated; if these are less than the corresponding values for peak with a
Peak Width
of 200 mV (
Half Peak Width
is the difference between the
Half
potentials at which the current is half the peak current), then the peak is reported
E(peak)
E(50)
p
p
E(100)
E(150)
(+) (-)
+50 +100 +150
Figure 7-2.
Peak finding criteria.
Determination of Peak Currents, Limiting Currents and Peak Areas
The most important part of these measurements is the determination of the current baseline. The method for this depends on the curve shape. Peak area is given in units of Amps x Volts. To convert into coulombs, for cyclic voltammetry, the area must be divided by the scan rate (Volts/Sec).
7-4
Page 56
Symmetric
a)
in the range of E
curves - The baseline is the line between the two current minima
+ 250 mV (Figure 73).
p
Figure 7-3.
Tail
b)
50 mV apart in a range of 250 mV preceding E
Figure 7-4.
Sigmoidal
c)
Symmetric current response.
curves - The baseline is the line between two points on the I vs. E curve
(Figure 7-4).
p
Tailed current response.
curves - Two baselines are required to measure the limiting current. These are defined by two points on the I vs. E curve 50 mV apart in a range of 250 mV either side of E
(the half-wave potential) (Figure 7-5).
1/2
Different values are chosen to find the lines of absolute minimum slope.
Figure 7-5.
Sigmoidal current response.
7-5
Page 57
Determination of the Slope and Intercept of an Anson or Cottrell Plot
The slope and intercept of the CA Cottrell plot and the CC Anson plot are determined by an unweighted linear least squares fit routine on the last 80% of the data points following both the forward and reverse potential steps (Figure 7-6).
80% TOTAL NUMBER
50
FORWARD
STEP
OF DATA POINTS
0
CHARGE (uC)
REVERSE
STEP
Figure 7-6.
50
80% TOTAL NUMBER
OF DATA POINTS
Selection of points for the Anson plot.
In all these cases, the lines selected by the
1/2
mSEC 15.8
Auto
screen. These can easily be changed using the calculated slopes are mA
1/2
ms
for Cottrell plot and C/ms
•
option are displayed on the
Manual
option. The units of
1/2
for Anson plot.
7-6
Page 58
7.2 Results Options
Figure 7-7. Results Options
Peak Shape
Half Peak Width
Data Type
Data Sets
dialog box.
This defines the shape of the curve. There are instances when the default peak shape selection is not appropriate: for example, when using microelectrodes at low scan rates, as this produces a sigmoidal plot for CV.
This defines the expected width of the peak (it may be necessary to increase this value for broader peaks).
This defines how the experimental data is presented when there is more than one presentation format (i.e., BE, CA and CC). The default as follows:
vs. Time
This defines which data set is displayed when there is more than one data set (i.e., CV,
OSWSV Sets
is defined by the
(specified in
OSWSV
number of
Data Sets
The default for CV, the first segment for
Current vs. Time
(for BE and
TPTB
and
TPTB
, and
Data Sets
were defined in
Data Sets
CC)
). For CV, the number of
General Parameters
have
for HR depends on which
are as follows: all segments
(for CA) and
.
Number of Segments
Data Sets
General Parameters
OSWV, OSWSV
Data Types
HR, OSWV
).
1 to 3. The
are
Charge
Data
OSWV
and
,
,
.
7-7
Page 59
HR
, and that segment specified for
Display Data Set
General Parameters
(in
TPTB
).
in
Method
Sensitivity Factor
Find Peaks after
If this command is activated, the
Load Data
Find Peaks after Run
Symmetrical and Tailing Results Include
This specifies which option (
Auto
or
Manual
) is to
be used.
This command adjusts the sensitivity of the peak search operation. The height of the smallest detectable peak decreases by a factor of 10 for each stepwise decrease in the
Sensitivity Factor
.
Results Graph
will be displayed automatically when a data file is loaded (if it is not activated, the
Single Graph
will
be displayed)
If this command is activated, the
Results Graph
will be displayed when the experiment has ended (if it is not activated, the
Single Graph
will be
displayed).
Select whether Peak Current and/or Peak Area are reported in the results.
7-8
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7.3 Calibration
This command is used to set up a calibration curve for quantitative analysis. First, the
Mode
must be selected, and the
General
Specific Parameters
and
entered.
Analysis Calibration
The
8).
Figure 7-8. Analysis Calibration
The maximum sample; if no (e.g., awb11 for sample 1). The specified. In the above example, a total of 10 samples were run, 3 of which were standards - #1, #5 and #10. The reloaded) using the
Number of Samples
Filename
Analysis File
dialog box appears when
dialog box.
is 50. A
is specified, the
Report Name
Analysis
dialog box.
Base Filename
parameters and results can be saved (and
Calibration
Filename
Concentration Unit
and
is clicked (Figure 7-
can be specified for each
+ the sample # will be used
must be
Clicking either an
Conc
with a determined) must also be specified. No information is required for
Prev Analysis Calibration
Samples
Unknown
entration and peak potential (Ep) must been entered for each analyte, together
Tol
erance for Ep. The
Next
and
produces a dialog box which is used to specify each
to move between sample numbers and click
or a
dialog box.
Standard
Number of Peaks
(Figure 7-). For each
(i.e., the number of analytes being
7-9
Escape
Sample
Standard
Unknown
to return to the
, the
s. Use
as
Page 61
Click request the next sample. When all the samples have been run, the calibration curve for a specified peak can be examined by clicking concentration is saved as a .REP file; the results are also listed in the Main window.
Run
to start the analysis. At the end of each sample run, the software will
Plot
. A report that lists the unknown
Process
peak potentials were used initially). Since 3-digit run numbers are used in the data file names, it may be necessary to rename data files before reprocessing. It should also be noted that the first run number is now 001, not 0 as in previous versions of the BAS 100W software.
Figure 7-9. Samples
is used for reprocessing of existing files (e.g., if incorrect concentrations or
dialog box.
7.4 Standard Addition
This command is used to construct a standard addition curve for quantitative analysis. First, the
The
10).
The
Filename Tol
in the above example, there are three standard additions of 10 ppb. The
Addition
dialog box.
Click the next standard addition. When all the standard additions have been made, the standard addition curve can be examined by clicking
Mode
must be selected, and the
Standard Addition
Number of Peaks, Number of Additions, Concentration Unit
must all be specified. In addition, the peak potentials (Ep) (and
erances) and the total standard concentration after each addition must be entered;
parameters and results can be saved using the
Run
to start the experiment. After each measurement, the software will request
dialog box appears when
General
Specific Parameters
and
Std. Addition
Plot
is clicked (Figure 7-
Standard Addition File
. A report that lists the
entered.
and
Standard
Base
7-10
Page 62
unknown concentration is saved as a .REP file; the results are also listed in the Main window.
Figure 7-10. Standard Addition
Process
is used for reprocessing of existing files (e.g., if incorrect standard additions
dialog box.
or peak potentials were used initially). Since 3-digit run numbers are used in the data filenames, it may be necessary to rename data files before reprocessing. It should also be noted that the first run number is now 001, not 0 as in previous versions of the BAS 100W software.
7-11
Page 63
8. Graphics Menu
This Menu is used to display the experimental data after the experimental run and after any post-run data processing.
8.1 Single Graph
Single Graph
The position of this windows can be changed by the user (by dragging the caption or the borders), and are defined initially by the BAS100W.INI file.
window displays the experimental data (Figure 8-1). The size and
Figure 8-1. Single Graph
Single Graph
The experiment and after a data file has been loaded (the
Results Options
to the
In addition to the coordinates of the mouse cursor as it is moved within the axes. Pressing the right mouse button leaves a plus mark on the graph, the coordinates of which are also displayed. A selected area can be expanded (Zoomed) by dragging the mouse between diagonally opposite corners of the defining rectangle. This operation can be reversed by clicking the left mouse button.
Data Type
window.
windows can be displayed automatically at the end of an
Find peaks
dialog box need to be unchecked). The data are graphed according
specified in
Single Graph
Graph Options
, the
Single Graph
, or according to the default
window also displays the
.. check boxes in the
Data Sets
.
8-1
Page 64
8.2 Graph Options
This dialog box controls the appearance of the graph on the PC screen and on the hard copy (Figure 8-2). All (except particular data file).
X/Y Freeze
and the
Graph Options
Min.
and
Max
are saved in the BAS100W.INI file
. values, which typically only apply to a
Figure 8-2. Graph Options
Axis Options
All the axis options can be enabled or disabled by checking the appropriate box.
Axis
Zero Axes
X/Y Grid
X/Y Invert
X/Y Freeze
When activated, the polarity of the X/Y axis is
When activated, the range of axes is frozen at the
dialog box.
When activated, both axes are drawn.
When activated, dashed lines are drawn on the graph at X=0 and Y=0, if they are within the range of the graph.
When activated, an X/Y grid is displayed.
inverted.
selected range is adjusted automatically to encompass the range of the data set. also applies to graphs displayed during experimental runs. It is a good idea to run the first experiment with
Min
. and
Y Freeze
Max.
values; otherwise, the
Y Freeze
(but not
disabled. After the data
X Freeze
)
8-2
Page 65
for the first run are regraphed with auto-scaling, the
Min
. and
Max.
values are correct for the present
graph.
X/Y Titles
When activated, the specified text replaces the default labels on the axes.
X/Y Size Ratio
This defines the fraction of the total windows area that is occupied by the graph
Curve Options
These control the way the curves are drawn.
Point Styles
Six
Style
s are available in
interior of the
Triangle
symbols can be colored by checking Interval between symbols specifies the interval where dots are replaced by symbols for the data points.
Line Styles
Select
Line between points
with a line of the given draw the points and lines colored pen.
Size
s from 0 to 7. The
Circle, Square, Diamond
to connect the points
Width
, and select
Color
and
Fill
to
.
Data Type
Data Sets
This defines how the experimental data is presented when there is more than one presentation format (i.e., BE,
Types
CA, CC
are as follows:
Charge vs. Time
(Nyquist plot) for
(for BE and CC) and
IMP
IMP
and
). The default
Current vs. Time
.
Data
(for CA),
Zi vs. Zr
This defines which data set is displayed when there is more than one data set (i.e., CV,
OSWSV Sets
is defined by the
(specified in
OSWSV
number of
Data Sets
The default for CV, the first segment for
HR
, and that segment specified for
Display Data Set
TPTB
and
). For CV, the number of
General Parameters
TPTB
, and
Data Sets
have
for HR depends on which
were defined in
Data Sets
are as follows: all segments
General Parameters
(in
Number of Segments
Data Sets
General Parameters
OSWV, OSWSV
HR, OSWV
Data
OSWV
).
1 to 3. The
and
TPTB
in
).
,
,
.
8-3
Page 66
Multi-Graph Style
Overlap
The set of axes and the range of the axes is determined by the data in main memory. The displays each data file on its own set of axes.
option draws all curves on the same
Tile
8.3 Graph Colors
The colors of each feature on the graph can be selected (for both the PC screen and the hard copy). These a color, first click the colored check box beside the selected feature; a cross will replace the color and the sample color patch will change to the present color of that feature. Any color can then be mixed by using the Red, Green and Blue scroll bars or by typing a number between 0 and 255 in the edit box. To apply the present color mix to the selected feature, click the checkmarked box once more. Note that the accuracy of the colors depends the number of colors the display adapter can depict.
Graph Colors
are saved in the BAS 100W.INI file. To change
option
Multi-Graphs
For are used for the first 8 curves, and this sequence repeats for curves 9 through 16, etc.
Default Colors
using the
changes all of the colors back to the original colors.
Overlap
option, the
Curve 1
through
Curve 8
8.4 Multi-Graph
This plots multiple data files, including the data in main memory. The option draws all curves on the same set of axes and the range of the axes is determined by the data in main memory. The own set of axes. Up to 41 files can be displayed, and are selected using the
Graph Files Operation
graph the data. If the data files use different
Data Sets
dialog box (Figure 8-3). If all the data files are for the same
, the
Data Type
and
Data Sets
Data Type
and
are used.
Tile
option displays each data file on its
specified in
Modes of Operation
Graph Options
are used to
, then the default
colors
Overlap
Multi-
Mode of
Figure 8-3.
Multi-Graph Files
dialog box.
8-4
Page 67
9. Print Menu
9.1 Print Graph
This command transfers the present graph ( default printer (an alternative printer can be selected using options specified in
Print Options
.
Single Graph
Multi-Graph
or
Printer Setup
9.2 Print Options
This dialog box contains graph options that pertain only to printed graphs (Figure 9-
1).
Figure 9-1. Print Options
Print Conditions text
dialog box.
This option lists the experimental conditions.
) to the
) using the
Print Results text
Label
Use colors when printing
Draw Results lines
This lists the results from the data analysis.
This is an optional description of the experiment (69 characters maximum).
This option tells the program that the printer in use knows how to translate colors into ink. If it is not checked, everything is printed in black or white. On black-and-white printers, some colors cannot be printed and hence are invisible. In such cases, uncheck this option or try different colors.
This option specifies whether the Results lines (e.g., baselines for peak measurement) are to be drawn on the printed graph (this option also requires the
Results text
9-1
to be active).
Print
Page 68
Omit File Names Above Graph
This option specifies whether the file name is above the graph both on the monitor and on printed/copied to clipboard graphs.
9.3 Multi-Print Files
This command sets up a print queue for data files. Up to 100 files can be selected from the (use the multiple graphs on the same page). If all the data files are for the same
Operation
the data files use different
Type
Multi-Print Files
Multi-Graph
Data Sets
, the
are used.
dialog box. Each data file is printed on a separate page
option in the
Data Type
and
Modes of Operation
Graphics
menu followed by
specified in
, then the default
Graph Options
Print Graph
are printed. If
Data Sets
Mode of
and
9.4 Print Text
for
Data
Print Text
desired lines in the
prints any text selected (highlighted) by dragging the mouse over the
Main
window.
9.5 Copy Text
This command copies to the the mouse over the desired lines in the transferred to other Windows programs.
Clipboard
any text selected (highlighted) by dragging
Main
window. From the
Clipboard
, it can be
9.6 Copy Graph
Copy Graph
From the
Clipboard
transfer the present graph window (without its frame) to the
it can be transferred to other Windows programs.
Clipboard
9.7 Print Setup
This command allows the default printer and other printer options to be changed without using the and the printer driver installed in Windows.
Control Panel
. The options available depend on the type of printer
.
9-2
Page 69
10. Operation Modes
There are 38 techniques available on the BAS 100B/W. This may appear to be a bewildering number, but many of these techniques are related, or are variations of other techniques. There are a number of broad divisions that can be made.
Control Potential
Hydrodynamic
RDE, HDM
Small Amp
ACV, PSACV, SHACV
Voltammetry
(I vs. E)
Pulse Voltammetry
(DPV, SWV, NPV, SCP
Stationary Soln. Stationary Soln.
Large Amp
CV, LSV
Chronoamperometry
(I vs. t at fixed E)
,...)
CA
CC
Hydrodynamic
Control Potential
Electrolysis
LC/EC
a) Voltammetry vs. chronoamperometry (potential step). In voltammetry, the potential is
varied in a defined manner, and the current response is monitored. In chronoamperometry, the potential is held at a fixed value (or is stepped between two values) and the current response is monitored as a function of time.
b) Stationary solution vs. Hydrodynamic. This determines the rate at which electroactive
molecules are brought to the surface of the working electrode (i.e., the rate of mass transport). In stationary solutions, the only mode of mass transport is diffusion, whereas in hydrodynamic techniques, there is a combination of convection (e.g., stirring) and diffusion. Therefore, in these latter techniques, the rate of mass transport can be controlled.
There is another set of techniques (pulse techniques) in which the applied potential is a combination of voltammetry and potential step. This are discussed in more detail below.
Sweep Techniques
(Stationary Solution) Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) Linear Sweep Voltammetry ( Linear Sweep Voltammetry with Log output ( Cyclic waveform (
Step Techniques
CYCLE
(Stationary Solution)
)
LSV
)
LOGI
10-1
)
Page 70
Chronocoulometry (CC) Chronoamperometry (CA) Step waveform (
STEP
)
Pulse Techniques
Differential Pulse Voltammetry/Polarography ( Normal Pulse Voltammetry/Polarography ( Sampled Current Polarography (
Square Wave Techniques
Barker Square Wave Voltammetry/Polarography ( Osteryoung Square Wave Voltammetry (
AC Techniques
Alternating Current Voltammetry/Polarography ( Phase Selective Alternating Current Voltammetry/Polarography ( Second Harmonic Alternating Current Voltammetry/Polarography ( Triangular wave Alternating Current Voltammetry/Polarography (
(Stationary Solution)
SCP
(Stationary Solution)
(Stationary Solution)
)
NPV/P
OSWV
DPV/P
)
BSWP/V
)
ACV/P
)
)
)
PSACV/P
SHACV/P
TACV/P
)
)
)
Differential Triangular wave Alternating Current Voltammetry/Polarography
DTACV/P
(
)
Stripping Techniques
Barker Square Wave Stripping Voltammetry ( Differential Pulse Stripping Voltammetry ( Linear Sweep Stripping Voltammetry (
LSSV
Osteryoung Square Wave Stripping Voltammetry (
BSWSV
DPSV
)
)
)
OSWSV
)
Hydrodynamic Techniques
Rotating Disk Electrode ( Hydrodynamic Modulation (
RDE
HDM
)
)
Time Base
Time Base (TB)
TPTB
DPTB
)
)
Differential Pulse Time Base ( Triple Pulse Time Base (
Miscellaneous
Bulk Electrolysis with Coulometry (BE) Electrocapillary Measurement (
ECM
) Programmable potential waveform - Hold/Ramp/Step (HR) A.C. Impedance (
IMP
)
10-2
Page 71
There are a number of parameters that are common to all techniques.
a) Potential range. When only a single potential is required, this is defined by
If a potential range is required, this is defined by sweep/scan/step experiments), or
Initial E, High E
Initial E
and
Low E
Final E
and
(for two or more
Initial E
(for single
sweep/ scans/steps in the experiment). The range for any potential is -3276 to +3276 mV.
Sensitivity
b)
techniques (except CC,
. This is the gain of the current-to-voltage converter output. For all
IMP
and
LOGI
), the range of sensitivities is 100 mA/V to 10 pA/V, although for sensitivities greater than 100 nA/V, the Low Current Module (LCM) must be used.
Quiet Time
c)
. This is the time between the initiation of the
potential scan/step. The working electrode is connected at
Run
and the start of the
Initial E
during this time, so that equilibration can occur before the start of the experiment. The allowed range for the
Quiet Time
is 0 to 65535 seconds.
.
10-3
Page 72
10.1 Linear Sweep Techniques (LSV, CV, LOGI, CYCLE)
LSV
In potential (
, the potential is varied linearly from an initial potential (
Final E
) at a constant rate (
Scan Rate
), and the current is monitored as a
function of the applied potential. The potential wave form for
Initial E
LSV
is shown in
) to a final
Figure 10-1.
E
FINAL
QUIET TIME
INIT
t
Figure 10-1.
Potential wave form for
A more commonly used variation of
LSV
.
LSV
is CV. In this technique, when the final potential is reached, the scan direction is reversed and the same potential range is swept again in the opposite direction. Therefore, the product of the electrochemical reaction on the forward scan can be examined on the reverse scan. This feature is one of the main reasons for the widespread use of this technique.
In CV, the potential can be cycled over the same range many times. Three potential parameters are required; the initial potential ( potentials (i.e., the potential at which the direction of the scan is reversed),
Low E
and
. The potential wave form for CV is shown in Figure 10-2.
The simplest I-E curve for CV is shown in Figure 10-3. The asymmetry of the curve is due to the diffusional mass transport. However, there are many other parameters that can affect the shape of this curve; for example, slow heterogeneous transfer kinetics, instability of the oxidized or reduced species, and adsorption. If the heterogeneous electron transfer is rapid (relative to the timescale of the experiment) and both the oxidized and reduced species are stable (again, on the timescale of the experiment),then the redox process is said to be electrochemically reversible. The standard redox potential is the mean of the two peak potentials (E
10-4
Initial E
), and the two switching
High E
and Epc), and the
pa
Page 73
separation of the peak potentials is 57/n mV (n = number of electrons transferred per molecule).
+E
HIGH
INITIAL
LOW E
Figure 10-2.
-E
Potential wave form for
SCAN SEGMENTS
21
3
CV.
t
The peak current for a reversible process is given by the Randles-Sevcik equation:
−
532 12 12
ixnADC
26910
.
=
p
where: i
///
= peak current (A)
p
υ
n = number of electrons transferred per molecule
2
A = electrode surface area (cm D = diffusion coefficient (cm C = concentration (mol/cm
= scan rate (V/s)
υ
)
2
/s)
3
)
Figure 10-3.
Typical current response for
CV
.
10-5
Page 74
Therefore, for a reversible process, ip is proportional to the concentration, C, and the square root of the scan rate,
1/2
.
υ
As discussed above, there are many parameters that can affect the shape of the
CV
curve. Slow electron transfer kinetics can increase the separation of the peak potentials (∆E examining the variation of ∆E between the working and reference electrodes can also increase ∆E
), and the rate constant for electron transfer can be calculated by
p
with scan rate. However, uncompensated resistance
p
. The effect of
p
uncompensated resistance can be lowered or eliminated using electronic iR compensation (see
iR Compensation
under the
Control
menu).
Another application for CV is the study of the reactions of electrolyzed species. These are generated on the forward scan, and their reactivity can be examined on the reverse and subsequent scans. Qualitative estimates of reaction rates can be obtained by varying the scan rates.
The simplicity and speed of CV means that it is often used as the first technique to characterize a redox system, and it is a very powerful technique for qualitative analysis of kinetics and mechanism. However, quantitative kinetic measurements using CV generally require digital simulation, since there is no other way to separate the effects of slow electron transfer and chemical reactivity.
The charging current that is present in CV and techniques for quantitative analysis. However,
LSV
limit their usefulness as
LSV
is used as one of the techniques for the detection of trace metals using stripping voltammetry. This is discussed in more detail in section 10.6.
It is important to note that the potential wave form used for CV and
LSV
on the BAS 100B/W (and other digital instruments) is a staircase wave form, since it is impossible to generate digitally a true linear wave form. There has been much discussion on the equivalence of "digital staircase" CV and
LSV
and
, and it has been shown that variation of the parameters used for the
LSV
and "analog"
CV
"staircase" techniques can lead to significant differences. Theoretical studies have shown that equivalence can only be guaranteed if the potential step height of the staircase wave form is less than 0.3/n mV (where n = number of electrons transferred). Therefore, for BAS 100B/W for CV and the step height is 0.1 mV. However, for
Scan Rates
LSV
is identical to a true analog linear wave form, since
in mV/s, the potential wave form used on the
Scan Rates
in V/s, the step height is 1.6 mV,
so small inequivalences may arise.
BAS has a considerable number CV Notes, together with articles and Capsules that describe the applications of CV (the articles and capsules are listed below). These can beobtained at no charge from BAS.
10-6
Page 75
BAS Capsules
132 Adsorption of Reduced Glutathione on a Mercury Surface 141 Determination of Heterogeneous Electron Transfer Rate Constant 264 Electrochemical Conversion of [FeIr
(CO)16]- to [FeIr5(CO)15]
5
3-
265 Identification of the Products of Oxidation of [CpFe(CO)2]2 Using Infra-
red Spectroelectrochemistry
266 Potentiostatic Measurements of a Tc(III)/Tc(II) Couple Using an OTTLE
Cell 267 Cis-Trans Isomerization of Ru(MeOCS 271 Two Electron Reduction of [CpCo(NO)] 272 Reductive Dimerization of CpW(NO)I
2)2
2
(PPh3)
2
2
273 Investigation of Electron Transfer Chain Catalysis Using Cyclic
Voltammetry 274 Calculation of the Standard Heterogeneous Charge Transfer Rate Constant
) for Dimeric Iron Fulvalene Complexes Using Cyclic Voltammetry
(k
s
275 Investigation of E-Z Isomerization of Iron Alkenyl Complexes Using
Semi-Derivative Voltammetry 276 Investigation of the Metal-Initiated Oligomerization of Alkynes
Current Separation Articles
1 Voltammetry Primer: Basic CV, R.E. Shoup, 4 (1982) 31. 2 Cyclic Voltammetry as a Tool for Assessing Dual Electrode Detector
Feasibility, R.E. Shoup, 4 (1982) 48. 3 Electrochemistry for the Nonelectrochemist, P.T. Kissinger, 6 (1985) 62. 4 Voltammetric Microelectrodes, J.O. Howell, 8 (1987) 2. 5 Cyclic Voltammetry: The Electrochemical Equivalent of Spectroscopy,
W.R. Heineman and P.T. Kissinger, 9 (1989)15. 6 Doing Things by Halves: Semidifferentiation in Voltammetry, K. Oldham
and R. Philp, 10 (1990) 3. 7 The Electrochemical Behavior of Nifedipine and Related Compounds and
Quantitation of Nifedipine in Plasma by LCEC, K. Bratin and P.T.
Kissinger, 4 (1982) 4. 8 Reduction of Anthracyclines at a Glassy Carbon Electrode, J. Pursley, 4
(1982) 11. 9 Electrochemical Characterization of Ni/Ni
2+
Fe(CN)
4-
, K. Kuo, 5 (1983)
6
30.
10 Electrochemical Characterization of Battery Electrodes, K. Kuo, 5 (1983)
45.
11 Chromatographic and Electrochemical Investigation of Codeine, D.A.
Meinsma and P.T. Kissinger, 6 (1985) 42. 12 Electrochemical Oxidation of Caffeic Acid: Formation of 6,7-
Dihydroxycoumarin, T.M. Kenyhercz and P.T. Kissinger, 6 (1985) 48. 13 Cyclic Voltammetric Studies of Transition Metal Complexes, K.A.
Connor and R.A. Walton, 6 (1985) 67.
10-7
Page 76
14 Transient Electrochemical Response of Thermal Ruthenium Oxide Thin
Films in Aqueous Electrolytes, E.W. Tsai, P. Abraham and K. Rajeshwar,
9 (1990) 130. 15 Electrochemistry of C60 and C70 Fullerenes, A.W. Bott, 10 (1991) 137. 16 Cyclic Voltammetry in Organometallic Chemistry, A.W. Bott, 10 (1991)
139.
17 Analysis of the Isomerization of Cr(CO)
CH
PPh2) Using Cyclic Voltammetry Simulation, A.W. Bott, 13
2CH2
3
(
-Ph2PCH2CH2P(Ph)
η
3
(1994) 45. 18 Electron-Transfer-Induced Isomerization of (Cyclooctatetraenecyclo
pentadienyl-cobalt, A.W. Bott, 13 (1994) 49. 19 Electrochemical Deligation of Bis(arene)iron(II) Dications, A.W. Bott, 13
(1994) 70.
The potential waveform for
LOGI
is the same as that for
LSV
. For
LOGI
, the output is the logarithm of the absolute value of the current output. This can linearize portions of the voltammogram where the current is controlled only by the rate of electron transfer. Such plots are called Tafel plots, and are used to obtain transfer coefficients and exchange currents. These are frequently used in corrosion studies (to measure the corrosion (exchange) current). The log plot can also be used to display a large current range in a single plot.
CYCLE
has the same waveform as CV. However, in
CYCLE
there is no digital data acquisition, but the analog current-to-voltage converter is connected and the output is sent to the I
jack on the back panel of the BAS 100B. This is used when many CV
OUT
cycles are required, and the required data storage exceeds the data storage capacity. It can also be used to condition the working electrode.
Mode = LSV
General Parameters
Initial E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Final E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Scan rate = 100 mV/s 1 to 51200 (µV/s)
1 to 51200 (mV/s) 1 to 300 (V/s)
Sensitivity = 1 µA/V 100 mA/V to 100 nA/V (10 pA/V with the
Low Current Module)
Specific Parameters
Sample Interval (mV) = 1 1 to 20 Quiet Time (sec) = 2 0 to 65535
10-8
Page 77
Mode = CV
General Parameters
Initial E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 High E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Low E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Scan Rate = 100 1 to 51200 (µV/s)
1 to 51200 (mV/s)
1 to 300 (V/s) Initial Direction = Negative Negative or Positive Number of Segments = 2 0 to 65535 Sensitivity = 1 µA/V 100 mA/V to 100 nA/V (10 pA/V with the
Low Current Module)
Specific Parameters
Sample Interval (mV) = 1 1 to 20 Quiet Time (sec) = 2 0 to 65535
Comments (LSV/CV
)
a) The wave form generator that drives the potentiostat is a Digital-to-Analog
16
Converter (DAC) with 2
(65,636) resolution elements. The resolution of the
staircase potential wave form is 0.1 mV, which generates a potential range of
3276 mV. The rate at which the potential can change (the
±
Scan Rate
) is
dependent on the rate at which each digital element can be changed. This rate is determined by the speed of the clock pulses, which is set at 2.048 x 10
pulses/s in the BAS 100B/W. The rate of change from the DAC is controlled by allowing only a fraction of the clock pulses to reach the DAC. The allowed
Scan Rates
(for mV/s) are calculated from the equation shown below and some values are listed in Table 10-1. If the entered scan rate is between two values, the higher scan rate will be used.
2.048 x 10
6
pulses/s x 0.1 mV/pulse =
Scan Rate
(mV/s)
Frequency divisor
6
10-9
Page 78
Frequency divider Scan Rate (mV/s) Frequency divider Scan Rate (mV/s)
4 51200 200 1024 5 40960 201 1019 6 34166 202 1014 7 29257 203 1009 8 25600 204 1004
9 22755 205 999 10 20480 206 994 11 18618 207 989 12 17066 208 984 13 15753 209 980 14 14628 210 975
15 13653 .. ..
16 12800 .. ..
17 12047 500 410 18 11378 501 409 19 10799 502 408 20 10240 503 407
21 9752 .. ..
22 9309 (1 mV/s resolution)
Table 10-1.
For
Scan Rates
Frequency divider Scan Rate (mV/s) Frequency divider Scan Rate (mV/s)
10 327 31 105 11 297 32 102 12 273 33 99 13 252 34 96 14 234 35 93 15 218 36 91 16 204 37 88
17 192 .. ..
18 182 .. ..
19 172 .. ..
20 613 40 81 21 156 41 79 22 148 42 78 23 142 43 76
24 136 .. ..
25 131 .. ..
26 126 60 54 27 121 61 53 28 117 62 52 29 112 30 109 80 40
Table 10-2
Some allowed
Scan Rates
for this resolution are shown in Table 10-2.
Some allowed
.
Scan Rates
for mV/s.
of V/s, the resolution of the staircse is 1.6 mV. A list of some
Scan Rates
for V/s.
10-10
Page 79
b) The
V
Sample Interval
(potential resolution) is dependent on the
The best potential resolution for the
Scan Rates
Scan Rate
(for mV/s) are shown below.
.
Scan Rate (ν)/mV/s
ν ≤
15753 17066 ≤ ν ≤ 29257 34166 ≤ ν≤ 40960
ν
= 51200
Resolution/m
1 2 3 4
CV
c) The maximum number of data points that can be collected in one experiment
is 8000. Therefore, a
Sample Interval
of greater than 1 mV may be required for multisegment experiments. Any such changes are made automatically by the software.
d) When the
performed. If
Number of Segments
Initial E
is between
is 0, one complete potential cycle is
High E
and
Low E
, start at
Initial E
sweep to one switching potential, reverse and sweep to the other switching potential, reverse and return to the
High E Segments
e) The maximum
or
Low E
= 2.
, then
Number of Segments
Number of Segments
Initial E
is determined by the data storage
capacity, and hence depends on the potential range,
Initial E
. If
is the same as either
= 0 is the same as
Sample Interval
Number of
, etc.
,
Graphics Menu (LSV
Single Graph
Analysis Menu (LSV
Auto
The
option for
and the peak potentials and peak currents are listed in the
and CV)
displays the current vs. potential plot.
and CV)
Results Graph
displays the current vs. potential plot,
Main
window for
all the segments scanned. Alternative baselines can be set by the user through
Manual
the
Math Menu (LSV
option.
and CV)
The derivative voltammogram is sometimes used to measure the peak potential more accurately, since the sign of the first derivative change at the peak potential. The convoluted voltammograms (both semi-derivative and semi-integral) are sometimes reported. The semi-differential voltammogram has symmetric peaks and better resolution than the standard voltammogram (see BAS Capsule 275 and Current Separation article 6. The semi-integral is used to correct for iR drop.
10-11
Page 80
Mode = LOGI
The
General
Specific Parameters
and
for
LOGI
are the same as for
with two exceptions.
Scan Rates
a)
generally used for
are only allowed in µV/S, since very slow scan rates are
LOGI
experiments. The range for
Scan Rate
51200.
b) The default
Sensitivity
is set to Auto; that is, automatic current ranging. This is used because of the wide range of current values generally measured in
LOGI
experiments.
Graphics Menu
Single Graph
displays the log (absolute current) vs. potential plot.
Analysis Menu
The
Auto
option for
Results Graph
displays the log (absolute current) vs. potential plot and the minimum potential (Min E) and the log I at this potential are listed in the
Main
window.
LSV
is 1 to
,
Tafel slopes and intercepts can be measured using the
Manual
option. The user must define the slope of the line by specifying two X values on the plot. In addition, the axis for the intercept must be defined (by clicking any point along this axis). This axis is generally the line E = Emin.
Mode = CYCLE
General
The
CV
, except that there is no data acquisition or handling parameters. The
Specific Parameters
and
for
CYCLE
are the same as those for
analog-to-digital conversion function is disabled, but the analog current-to­voltage converter is connected, and the output is sent to the Iout jack on the rear panel of the BAS 100B. If the current is not being recorded, it is advisable to adjust the current is being recorded (e.g., on an XY recorder), the
Sensitivity
to 100 mA/V to avoid saturation. If the
Sensitivity
adjusted appropriately.
must be
10-12
Page 81
10.2 Potential Step Techniques (CA, CC, STEP)
In these techniques, the potential is stepped from one value to another, and the current (CA) (or charge (CC)) response is monitored as a function of time (it should be remembered that charge is simply the integral of current). After the potential has been held at this value for a time τ, the potential can be stepped to another value (often the original potential). Therefore, potential step experiments can be single step, or double step.
General Parameters
The potential (
Initial E
), and high and low potentials ( The potential can be stepped from determined by the
Pulse Width
(the
E
High E
to
Initial Direction
), the potential can be stepped in the opposite direction (from
High E
or
For CC, the only potentials are the initial potential (
Final E
(
) (Figure 10-5).
are slightly different for CA and CC. For CA, an initial
to
Low E
High E
Initial E
Positive
-
to either
Negative
or
Low E
), and is held at this value for time τ (Figure 10-4).
Initial E
Low E
and
) are required.
High E
or
(this is
respectively). After time
) and the final potential
τ
Low
E
HIGH E
INIT. E
LOW E
Figure 10-4.
QUIET
TIME
Potential wave form for
PULSE WIDTH
CA
PULSE WIDTH
t
.
The current/charge response depends on the values of the initial and final potentials. If no faradaic reaction occurs at either potential (a faradaic reaction is the electrolysis of any molecules in solution), then the response is due to charging of the electrode (the charging or background current). The response is a current 'spike', which decays exponentially.
10-13
Page 82
FINAL E
INIT. E
E
QUIET
TIME
PULSE WIDTH
PULSE WIDTH
t
Figure 10-5.
Potential wave form for
CC
.
Often, the initial potential is a potential at which no faradaic reaction occurs, and the final potential is a potential at which the Faradaic reaction occurs very rapidly; that is, the electroactive molecules are electrolyzed as soon as they arrive at the surface of the working electrode. The current is therefore determined by the rate of mass transport from the bulk solution to the surface of the working electrode; that is, the rate of diffusion. The diffusion controlled current is given by the Cottrell equation.
12
12 12
//
π
/
t
nFAD C
i
=
where: i = current (A)
n = number of electrons transferred per molecule F = Faraday`s constant (96,485 C/eq)
2
A = electrode area (cm D = diffusion coefficient (cm C = concentration (mol/cm
)
2
/s)
3
)
t = time (s)
The diffusion controlled faradaic current therefore decays with t chronoamperogram is shown in Figure 10-6). The analogous expression for the diffusion controlled charge (Q
1/2
proportional to t
), and a typical chronocoulogram is shown in Figure 10-7.
Although i (or Q) vs. t plot is displayed during the experimental run, it is also useful to plot i vs. t
-1/2
(for CA) and Q vs. t these are straight line plots, and are often referred to as the Cottrell plot (for CA) and the Anson plot (for CC). These plots are available as standard plots on the BAS 100B/W.
-1/2
(a typical
) is the integral of the above expression (i.e., Q
diff
1/2
(for CC). For diffusion controlled systems,
10-14
diff
is
Page 83
Figure 10-6.
Chronoamperogram (current-time) response for double-potential-step
CA
.
Figure 10-7.
Chronocoulogram (charge-time) response for double-potential-step
CC
.
Therefore, both CA and CC can be used to measure one of n, C, A and D using the gradients of these straight line plots, provided the other three constants are known. However, other techniques (e.g., pulse techniques) have lower detection limits, so
CA
and CC are generally not used for concentration measurements. However, A and D are frequently measured using these techniques (1-3).
The relationship between i and t
-1/2
(or Q and t
1/2
) can be used to investigate the
period of time for which the current (or charge) is strictly controlled by diffusion.
-1/2
Figure 10-8 shows a plot of i/t
vs. time. The deviation from ideality at short times is due to the finite length of time required to charge the working electrode to the step potential. The deviations at long times are due to natural convection.
10-15
Page 84
-1/2
i/t
TYPICAL DEVIATIONS
IDEAL
TIME WINDOW
t
Figure 10-8.
Plot of i/t
-1/2
vs. t for
CA
showing "time window" for condition of planar diffusion.
Although CA and CC are not used to measure absolute concentrations, they can be used to measure changes in concentrations due to homogeneous chemical reactions of the electrolyzed molecules (3,4). This uses the double step technique, and measures the ratio of the forward and backward currents (or charges). If the molecules undergo a chemical reaction after electrolysis in the forward step, then these molecules are not available for electrolysis in the reverse step. Hence, the faster the chemical reaction, the smaller the current/charge on the reverse step. The rate of the chemical reaction can be calculated by measuring the current (or charge) ratio at different pulse widths.
If the final potential is at a value at which the electron transfer does not occur rapidly, then the current (or charge) response may be influenced by the rate of heterogeneous electron transfer as well as the rate of diffusion. The rate of electron transfer can therefore be measured by CA and CC (5).
CC
has several advantages over CA. The signal increases with time, so the latter parts of the response, which are least distorted by the finite charging time of the electrode, offer better signal-to-noise ratios (in addition, any white noise tends to averaged by integration) . In addition, since charge is a summation over the time frame of the experiment, the information from the early response is retained. However, in some instruments, this is not strictly the case, since the charge is obtained by integrating the discrete current values, and some charge is invariably lost. In contrast, in the BAS 100B/W, there is a 'true' charge-to-voltage converter, which means that none of the early information is lost.
Another application of CC which takes advantage of it's ability to retain early information is the detection of species adsorbed to the surface of the working electrode (3). Such species are electrolyzed very rapidly when the potential is stepped. The total charge measured during the CC experiment is
Q = Q
+ Qdl + Q
diff
ads
10-16
Page 85
Qdl is the charge due to charging of the working electrode, and Q
is the charge due
ads
to electrolysis of the adsorbed species, and is directly proportional to the surface concentration of the adsorbate. Of the three components, only Q Therefore, the intercept of the Anson plot is Q
+ Q
dl
. One way of calculating Q
ads
is time dependent.
diff
ads
is to measure Qdl by performing the CC experiment on the background solution. However, this assumes that Q
is the same in the presence and absence of the
dl
electroactive species; this is not necessarily true. A more accurate method is to use double step CC, since Q
can be eliminated by calculating the difference between the
dl
intercepts of the forward and reverse Anson plots (Figure 10-9).
Figure 10-9.
Forward and reverse Anson plots.
References
1) BAS Capsule, No. 133 Determination of Electrode Area with
Chronocoulometry
2) BAS Capsule, No. 143 Determination of Diffusion Coefficients Using
Chrono coulometry
3) W.R. Heineman, Curr. Seps 7 (1986) 58-67.
4) BAS Capsule, No. 268 Measurement of Reaction Kinetics Using
Chronocoulometry.
5) A. J. Bard and L. R. Faulkner "Electrochemical Methods" Wiley, New
York, 1980; p. 204-206
STEP
allows a cyclic potential step wave form to be applied to the working electrode. There is no data acquisition in this mode although the response can be monitored at the I
rear panel jack of the BAS 100B. The
OUT
STEP
mode is primarily designed for electrode cleaning and conditioning. The surface of several types of electrodes (e.g., Pt, Au, etc.) have been found to be prepared more reproducibly by applying such a potential wave form to them (the surface is cycled between oxide formation and reduction) In addition, it is often possible to remove adsorbed species with this method.
10-17
Page 86
Mode = CA
General Parameters
Initial E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 High E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Low E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Initial Direction = Negative Negative or Positive Pulse width (msec) = 250 1 to 32000 Sensitivity = 1 µA/V 100 mA/V to 100 nA/V (10 pA/V with the
Low Current Module)
Specific parameters
Number of Steps = 2 1 or 2 Quiet Time (sec) = 2 0 to 65535
Graphics Menu
Single Graph
Cottrell plot (
Type
drop-down list box in the
displays the
Current vs. 1/sqrt (Time)
Current vs. Time
) can be selected using the
Graphics Options
plot as the default plot. The
dialog box.
Analysis Menu
The
Auto
option for
Results Graph
displays the plot selected in
Data Type
and the slope, intercept and correlation coefficient are listed in the window. Since data at early time points can be distorted due to the finite time required for the potential step, the
Auto
option uses only the last 80% of the data. An alternative line can be defined by the user through the option (the line is specified by the X values of 2 points on the plot). The units for the slope are mA
Comment:
The maximum data file length is 1000 pts/step.
•
ms
1/2
.
Mode = CC
General Parameters
Initial E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Final E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Pulse Width (msec) = 250 3 to 32000 Sensitivity = 1 µC/V 100 nC/V to 10 µC/V
Data
,
Main
Manual
Specific Parameters
Number of Steps = 2 1 or 2 Quiet Time (sec) = 2 0 to 65535
10-18
Page 87
Comments
The maximum data file length is 1000 points/step. The circuitry for CC is a direct charge-to-voltage converter. The integrating capacitor that is used to accumulate the charge in the 10 µC/V
Sensitivity
range is automatically discharged and reset to zero when it nears the voltage saturation level. This operation allows a much greater charge to be measured during the experiment. Discharging the capacitor requires 0.5 msec during which time no charge is measured. We have never had a situation where thishas caused a noticeable error in the output, since discharge typically occursafter the initial large current transients have decayed and the current isrelatively small (so the charge lost over 0.5 msec is less than the resolution of the instrument and the expected precision of the experiment). However, errors can occur if the initial current are very large, since this may cause discharging at short times. Such errors are shown by discontinuities in the
Charge vs. Time
plot. If this occurs, the initial current must be decreased by, for
example, decreasing the concentration and/or the electrode surface area.
The automatic discharge is not allowed for the 100 nC/V and 1 µC/V ranges, since the charge lost during the 0.5 msec may be significant.
Too much current may also cause the digital accumulators to overload. This occurs after 32 discharge-charge cycles, and is shown by sharp discontinuities in
Charge vs. Time
the
plot as the charge drops to zero.
Graphics Menu
Single Graph
Anson plot (
displays the
Charge vs. sqrt (Time)
drop-down list box in the
Charge vs. Time
)can be selected using the
Graph Options
plot as the default plot. The
Data Type
dialog box.
Analysis Menu
The
Auto
option for
Results Graph
displays the plot selected in
Data Type
and the slope, intercept and correlation coefficient are listed in the window. Since data at early time points can be distorted due to the finite time required for the potential step, the
Auto
option uses only the last 80% of the data. An alternative line can be defined by the user through the Manual option (the line is specified by the X values of 2 points on the plot). The slope is reported in units of c/ms
1/2
.
,
Main
10-19
Page 88
Mode = STEP
General Parameters
Initial E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 High E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Low E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Initial Direction = Negative Negative or Positive Pulse width (msec) = 250 1 to 32000 Number of Cycles = 1 0 to 65535 Sensitivity = 1 µA/V 100 mA/V to 10 pA/V
Specific parameters
Quiet Time (sec) = 2 0 to 65535
Comments
When the
Number of Cycles
until it is stopped by the user.
is set to 0, the cycling continues indefinitely
10-20
Page 89
10.3 Pulse Techniques (SCP, NPV/P, DPV/P)
The basis of all pulse techniques is the difference in the rate of decay of background and faradaic currents following a potential step. The background current decays exponentially, whereas the faradaic current decays as a function of 1/(time) the rate of decay of the background current is considerably faster than the decay of the faradaic current. The background current is negligible at a time of 5R
the potential step (R ranges from µs to ms). Therefore, after this time, the measured current consists solely
of the faradaic current; that is, measuring the current at the end of the potential pulse allows discrimination between the faradaic and charging current.
The important parameters for Pulse techniques are as follow:
Pulse Amplitude
a)
Pulse Width
b)
Sample Width
c)
current is measured. It must be at least 2 msec shorter than the current is sampled and averaged 16 times per msec. The default the time required for 1 line cycle.
is the duration of the potential pulse in msec.
is the time (in msec) at the end of the pulse during which the
is the time constant for a given electrochemical cell, and
uCdl
is the height of the potential pulse in mV.
Pulse Width
Sample Width
1/2
uCdl
; that is,
after
. The
is
Pulse Period/Dropping Time
d)
(in msec) and must be at least twice the voltammetry experiments, whereas experiments, in which the potential pulse, current sampling and renewal of the mercury drop are coordinated (this is controlled by the BAS 100B/W). As discussed above, the current is sampled at the end of the pulse, and the mercury drop is knocked off at the end of the end of the pulse). For polarography experiments using a dropping mercury electrode (DME), the advantage of sampling the current at the end of the drop lifetime is that the rate of change of the surface area (which contributes to the charging current) is at a minimum at this point.
Three different pulse techniques are available on the BAS 100B/W Electrochemical Workstation. These differ in the potential pulse waveforms and the number of sampling times. The discrimination against the charging current that is inherent in these techniques leads to lower detection limits (compared to linear sweep techniques), which make these techniques suitable for quantitative analysis.
- This is the time required for one potential cycle
Pulse Width. Pulse Period
Dropping Time
Sample Width
10-21
applies to polarography
(which coincides with the
is used for
Page 90
Sampled Current Polarography (
SCP
) or Tast polarography is a modification of the classical D.C. polarography experiment, and was designed to reduce the effect the changing surface area of the mercury drop. The potential wave form is shown in Figure 10-10. The potential is varied in a series of steps (it is held at each step for the
Drop Time
), and the current is sampled at the end of each drop. The
the size of the potential step can be varied (through variation of the
Drop Time
Scan Rate
and
). This
potential waveform is often referred as a staircase waveform.
-E SAMPLING WIDTH
STEP
DROP TIME
QUIET TIME
t
Figure 10-10.
Potential wave form for
SCP
.
The current response is shown in Figure 10-11. The limiting current (id) is given by the Ilkovic equation:
Figure 10-11.
id = 708nD
1/2Cm2/3τ1/6
Typical current response for
SCP
.
where: n = number of electrons transferred/molecule
D = diffusion coefficient (cm m = mercury flow rate (mg/s)
= sampling interval (s)
τ
2
/s)
10-22
Page 91
The sensitivity and detection limit of
A/mM and 10
µ
-5
M). The major advantage of
SCP
are similar to those of DC polarography (5
SCP
over D.C. polarography is the smoothed current output, which facilitates measurement of the half-wave potentials and limiting currents.
Although this is a essentially a polarographic technique, it can be used as a slow scan rate voltammetry technique. This modification is often called "staircase" voltammetry.
The potential wave form for Normal Pulse Voltammetry/Polarography
(NPV/P)
is shown in Figure 10-12, and consists of a series of pulses of increasing amplitude, with the potential returning to the initial value in between the pulses.
PULSE WIDTH
SAMPLE
E
E
∆
QUIET
TIME
Figure 10-12.
Potential wave form for
Consider a reduction. If
WIDTH
PULSE PERIOD
Initial E
t
NPV/P
.
is well positive of the redox potential, the application of small amplitude pulses does not cause any faradaic reaction, so there is no faradaic current response. When the pulse amplitude is sufficiently large that the pulsed potential is around the redox potential, there is a faradaic reaction in response to the pulse (assuming moderately rapid electron transfer kinetics), and the magnitude of this faradaic current may depend on both the rate of diffusion and the rate of electron transfer. When the pulsed potentials are sufficiently negative of the redox potential that the electron transfer occurs rapidly, the faradaic current depends only of the rate of diffusion; that is, a limiting current has been reached. This current response is shown in Figure 10-13. The sigmoidal shape is similar to the shape of the curve obtained in the classical polarography experiment, which gives rise to the name of normal for this pulse technique. The limiting current for
SCP
for detection limit (10
, and is therefore a more sensitive technique (30 µA/mM) and has a lower
-6
M).
NPV/P
is greater than that
There is a variation of this technique called Reverse Pulse Voltammetry/Polarography (RPV/P). In
NPV/P
occurs, whereas in RPV/P, the initial potential is at a value at which the faradaic
, the initial potential is at a value at which no faradaic reaction
10-23
Page 92
reaction of interest occurs at the diffusion limited rate. This technique is useful for discriminating between a reversible redox process (rapid electron transfer) and an irreversible redox process (slow electron transfer on the reverse step), since both can be detected by NPV/P, whereas only the reversible process can be detected by RPV/P. One example of this is the detection of metal ions (reversible) in the presence of oxygen (irreversible).
Figure 10-13.
Typical current response for
Differential Pulse Voltammetry/Polarography ( two techniques in that the current is sampled twice in each potential wave form is shown in Figure 10-14. The
NPV/P
.
DPV/P
) is different from the previous
Pulse Amplitude
Pulse Period
is constant with
. The
respect to the base potential, and the base potential increases in small steps; that is, the potential wave form consists of small amplitude pulses superimposed upon a staircase waveform.
PULSE WIDTH
E
∆
E
PULSE
AMPLITUDE
QUIET
TIME
SAMPLE WIDTH
PULSE PERIOD
Figure 10-14.
Potential wave form for
The current is sampled just before the pulse (i1) and at the end of the pulse (i2), and the difference (i
- i1) is recorded as a function of the base potential. Consider a
2
DPV/P
t
.
10-24
Page 93
reduction. At potentials well positive of the redox potential, there is no faradaic reaction is response to the pulse, so the differential current is zero. At potentials around the redox potential, the differential current reaches a maximum and decreases to zero as the current becomes diffusion-controlled. The current response is therefore a symmetric peak (Figure 10-15).
Figure 10-15.
The sensitivity of
Typical current response for
DPV/P
the detection limit of
is intermediate between
DPV/P
is significantly lower (10
DPV/P
discrimination against the charging current.
Mode = SCP General Parameters
Initial E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Final E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Sensitivity = 1µA/V 100 mA/V to 100 nA/V (10 pA/V with the
Low Current Module)
Specific Parameters
Scan Rate (mV/s) = 4 1 to 200 Sample Width (msec) = 17 1 to 250 Drop Time (msec) = 1000 100 to 8000 Quiet Time (sec) = 2 0 to 65535
Comments
.
NPV/P
SCP
and
-7
M) due to more effective
(20 µA/mM), but
a) Increasing the
b) The step height (or sampling interval) is the product of the
Dropping Time
Sample Width
can reduce noise.
(e.g. the default values is 4 mV).
10-25
Scan Rate
and the
Page 94
Graphics Menu
Single Graph
displays the current vs. potential plot.
Analysis Menu
The
Auto
option for
Results Graph
displays the current vs. potential plot, and the half-wave potential and limiting current are listed in the window. Alternative baselines can be set by the user through the option.
Mode = NPV/P General Parameters
Initial E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Final E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Sensitivity = 1µA/V 100 mA/V to 100 nA/V (10 pA/V with the
Low Current Module)
Specific Parameters
Scan Rate (mV/sec) = 20 (4) 1 to 200 Sample Width (msec) = 17 1 to 250 Pulse Width (msec) = 50 3 to 2000 Pulse Period (msec) = 200 40 to 8000 Drop Time (msec) = 1000 100 to 8000 Quiet Time (sec) = 2 (0) 0 to 65535
Main
Manual
Comments
a) The
Pulse Period
parameter value for
is used in
NPP
NPV
, the
Drop Time
is different from that for
parentheses
b) Increasing the
Sample Width
can reduce the response noise.
c) The sample interval is equal to the product of the
Period
Drop Time
(or
) (e.g., the default value is 4 mV).
Graphics Menu
Single Graph
displays the current vs. potential plot.
NPP
in
. When thedefault
NPV
Scan Rate
, it is shown in
and the
Pulse
10-26
Page 95
Analysis Menu
The
Auto
option for
Results Graph
displays the current vs. potential plot, and the half-wave potential and limiting current are listed in the window. Alternative baselines can be set by the user through the option.
Mode = DPV/P
General Parameters
Initial E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Final E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Sensitivity = 1µA/V 100 mA/V to 100 nA/V (10 pA/V with the
Low Current Module)
Specific Parameters
Scan Rate (mV/sec) = 20 (4) 1 to 200 Pulse Amplitude (mV) = 50 -250 to 250 Sample Width (msec) = 17 1 to 250 Pulse Width (msec) = 50 3 to 2000 Pulse Period (msec) = 200 40 to 8000 Drop Time (msec) = 1000 100 to 8000 Quiet Time (sec) = 2 (0) 0 to 65535
Main
Manual
Comments
Pulse Period
a)
is used for
default parameter value for
DPV
DPP
Drop Time
, and
is used for
is different from that for
parentheses.
b) The product of the
than the
c) When the
Pulse Amplitude
Pulse Amplitude
Pulse Period
, and greater than 1 mV.
is negative, the direction of the
Drop Time
(or
) and
to that of the scan.
d) Increasing the
Sample Width
can reduce the noise.
e) The sample interval is equal to the product of the
Period
Drop Time)
(or
(e.g., the default value is 4 mV).
Graphics Menu
Single Graph
displays the current vs. potential plot.
DPV
Scan Rate
Pulse
Scan Rate
DPP
. When the
, it is shown in
must be less
is opposite
and the
Pulse
10-27
Page 96
Analysis Menu
The
Auto
option for
Results Graph
displays the current vs. potential plot, and the peak potential and peak current are listed in the Alternative baselines can be set by the user through the
Manual
Main
option.
window.
10-28
Page 97
10.4 Square Wave Techniques (OSWV, BSWV/P)
Square wave techniques are related to both pulse techniques and A.C. voltammetric techniques. They are similar to peak and that there is effective discrimination against background charging currents. The chief advantages are the greater sensitivity and the faster speed (for
There are two different square wave potential wave forms available on the BAS 100B/W, Osteryoung (
OSWV
10-16 and Figure 10-17.
FREQUENCY
E
S.W. AMPLITUDE
DPV/P
) and Barker (
1
in that the current response is a symmetric
OSWV
BSWV/P
SAMPLE WIDTH (i )
f
). These are shown in Figure
).
QUIET
TIME
Figure 10-16.
E
PULSE
AMPLITUDE
QUIET TIME
STEP
Potential wave form for
PULSE WIDTH
E
∆
DROPPING TIME
OSWV
SAMPLE WIDTH (i )
.
SAMPLE WIDTH (i )
r
t
f
SAMPLE WIDTH (i )
r
Figure 10-17.
Potential wave form for
BSWV/P
10-29
t
.
Page 98
The potential wave form for
OSWV
consists of a square wave superimposed on a staircase wave form. It can also be viewed as a series of pulses alternating in direction (hence, the relation to both pulse and A.C. techniques). The current is sampled at the end of each of the pulses (or half-cycles). The default current output is the difference current (Figure 10-18), but the forward current (i
(i
) can also be examined (Figure 10-19). For a reversible system, the reverse current
r
) and reverse current
f
is significant, so the difference current is greater than either the forward or reverse currents. This is one reason for the greater sensitivity of
DPV/P
. The magnitude of the reverse current can also be used to investigate the
OSWV
compared with
reversibility of the electron transfer.
Figure 10-18.
Figure 10-19.
Difference current response for
Forward and reverse current responses for
The waveform for
BSWV/P
is similar to that for
OSWV and BSWV/P
OSWV
.
OSWV
.
. The main difference is that the samples are collected and averaged over a number of cycles. In addition, only the difference current is available (Figure 10-18). Due to the signal averaging, is significantly slower than
OSWV
.
BSWV/P
10-30
Page 99
The other advantage of
OSWV
compared to
DPV/P
is its speed. Scan rates of up to 80 V/s are available on the BAS 100B/W, although scan rates of 100s mV/s to a few V/s are typically used (note that the scan rate for frequency). This is significantly faster than the scan rate for mV/s). In addition, the sensitivity of
OSWV
OSWV
depends on the square wave
(compared with
DPV/P
DPP/V
(ca. 10 -20
) increases with increasing scan rate, even for irreversible processes. The greater sensitivity and faster speed of
OSWV
has increased the popularity of this technique for quantitative determination of electroactive species in solution. The detection limit can be further lowered by using stripping methods, which are discussed in section 10.6.
Mode = OSWV
General Parameters
Initial E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Final E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Sensitivity = 1µA/V 100 mA/V to 100 nA/V (10 pA/V with the
Low Current Module)
Specific Parameters
Step E (mV) = 4 1 to 40 S.W. Amplitude (mV) = 25 1 to 250 S.W. Frequency (Hz) = 15 1 to 2000 Sampling Points = 256 1, 16, 256 Quiet Time (sec) = 2 0 to 65535
Comments
a) The
S.W. Amplitude
must be greater than
Step E
(which is the potential step
height for the staircase potential wave form).
Sampling Points
b)
is the number of current samples taken and averaged at the
end of each half-cycle. The 3 current sampling options are:
i) 256 samples taken and averaged over 1 line cycle (maximum
Frequency
ii) 16 samples taken and averaged over 1 msec (maximum
= 15 Hz).
S.W. Frequency
= 250 Hz)
iii) 1 sample taken (maximum
S.W. Frequency
= 2000 Hz).
The maximum frequency for each option is such that the sampling time is no longer than 1/2 of each half-cycle. The option is selected by the software.
c) The scan rate (mV/s) is the product of the
d) The sample interval is equal to
Step E
.
S.W. Frequency
and
Step E
e) Maximum data file length is 1279 points.
S.W.
.
10-31
Page 100
Graphics Menu
Single Graph
specified in the
displays the current vs. potential plot(s) of the
Graph
Results Options
and
dialog boxes.
Data Sets
Analysis Menu
Auto
The of the
option for
Data Sets
and the peak potential and peak current are listed in the Alternative baselines can be set by the user through the
Results Graph
specified in the
displays the current vs. potential plot(s)
Graph
Results Options
and
Main
Manual
dialog boxes,
window.
option.
Mode = BSWV/P
General Parameters
Initial E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Final E (mV) = 0 -3276 to 3276 Sensitivity = 1µA/V 100 mA/V to 100 nA/V (10 pA/V with the
Low Current Module)
Specific Parameters
Scan Rate (mV/s) = 4 1 to 200 S.W. Amplitude (mV) = 25 1 to 250 S.W. Frequency (Hz) = 14 5 to 250 Drop Time (msec) = 1500 1500 to 8000 Quiet time (sec) = 2 (0) 0 to 65535
Comments
a) Parameters values in parentheses refer to
used for
BSWP
(the analogous parameter for
BSWP
BSWV
. The
Drop Time
Step Period
, the
at 1500 msec).
b) The number of current samples averaged during each
Period
) is determined by the
S.W. Frequency
.
Drop Time
c) Sampling width is fixed at 1/4 cycle time period for all frequencies.
d) The sample interval is the product of the
Step Period
) (e.g., the default value is 6 mV).
Scan Rate
and the
Drop Time
Graphics Menu
Single Graph
and reverse current plots are not available for
displays the difference current vs. potential plot. The forward
BSWV/P
10-32
.
is only
, is set
(or
Step
(or
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