Validating the geometry of interdigitated band electrodes: A variable scan rate study

• Voltammetry at interdigitated band array electrodes is considered.
• A model to simulate voltammetry at the arrays at various scan rates is developed.
• A working surface of peak current vs scan rate and inter electrode gap is generated.
• This working surface is used to accurately determine the geometry of the band array.
• Experiments are simulate din generator–collector mode to obtain further validation.

Electrochemical simulation is used to validate the geometry of commercially manufactured interdigitated array electrodes intended for use in generator–collector experiments, consisting of two interlocked arrays of band electrodes. A working surface is generated showing peak current as a function of scan rate and the inter electrode distance when cyclic voltammetry is performed at a single array of band electrodes. This working curve is then used to establish accurate electrode widths and inter-electrode distances of an interdigitated band array using a fully supported aqueous solution of ruthenium hexamine trichloride as a test system by running voltammetry at one of the two arrays at a time. Both arrays are then used at the same time to perform cyclic voltammetry to validate the established electrode geometries of 9.9 and 10.7 μμm for the electrode widths in the two arrays, and 10.5 μμm for the distance between adjacent electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry in generator–collector mode is then carried out, and these parameters used to successfully simulate the experimental data. The level of precision determined is essential for the quantitative interpretation of generator–collector measurements using interdigitated electrodes.