How to relate experiments and theory for electrochemistry? Linear sweep voltammetry for the reduction of Fe(CN)63−

An experimental and computational laboratory studying the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) technique under stirred conditions using a rotating disk electrode (RDE) is discussed in this paper. Experimental analysis is conducted of one of the most well-researched systems in electrochemistry: reduction of Fe(CN)63− species on Pt in an aqueous KNO3 solution. In the computational portion, a comprehensive physicochemical model is presented to describe the electrode response of the system (i.e., current density vs. electrode potential), which is then solved using COMSOL™ Multiphysics software. Further insights into the system are obtained by computing variables that cannot be experimentally measured such as the surface concentrations and the concentration profiles. Information concerning the pedagogical goals, details of the system, experimental issues, mathematical modeling, results and feedback are provided to facilitate its implementation.

Research highlights▶ Experimental and computational LSV analyses of the reduction of Fe(CN)63− on Pt in KNO3. ▶ Different conditions are comprehensively described with a physicochemical model. ▶ Experimental and mathematical details are provided to facilitate its implementation.