A cell with solid microelectrode with periodical renewal of the diffusion layer

Abstract

A new cell with a platinum microelectrode is described: the diffusion layer is renewed by the periodical movement of the electrolyte caused by the displacement of a piston. A magnetic field causes the piston displacement. The diffusion current intensities, both instantaneous and average, may be calculated with a good agreement by the simple equation of spherical diffusion. The cell allows many possibilities of regulation both in the period of the electrode washing and in that during which the electrode is in the stationary electrolyte. Moreover, the flow speed of the solution may be easily regulated. This new cell is particularly interesting for the study of many electrochemical processes characterized by a high redox potential.