FARADAIC AND NON-FARADAIC CURRENTS DUE TO REACTANT STRIPPING AT METAL-SURFACES OR FROM THIN-FILM ELECTRODES

Approximate expressions are derived for the faradaic or non-faradaic current observed during the stripping of reactants from an electrode surface or from a very thin film on the electrode surface in which the reactants are dissolved. Particular attention is given to cases in which, to obtain enhanced sensitivity, the measurement technique is differential pulse polarography (d.p.p.), square wave polarography (s.w.p.) or radio frequency polarography (r.f.p.). The influence on the current of reaction irreversibility and, in the non-faradaic case, of segmental adsorption and desorption is briefly considered, and the ill-effects of geometrical defects in the electrode on sensitivity are discussed. © 1979 Elsevier Sequoia S.A.