Question

Distinguishing between an electrochemically reversible and irreversible electrode reaction can be done using cyclic voltammetry.

Describe clearly and in detail how you can convert a fully reversible O/R electrochemical reaction into a irreversible or quasireversible reaction by varying parameters used in the CV experiment. Explain the reasoning behind your answer, and show using graphs how you would confirm that you have converted the reversible reaction into an irreversible one.

Answer 1

An electrochemically reversible process in which oxidation, as well as reduction both, takes place. While in irreversible electrode reaction only one process takes place which can be done using cyclic voltammetry.

You can convert a fully reversible O/R electrochemical reaction into an irreversible or quasi-reversible reaction by varying the potential parameters used in the CV experiment. By controlling the potential you can easily convert electrochemical reaction into an irreversible from reversible reaction.