Pulse voltammetry at cylindrical electrodes: oxidation of anthracene

Abstract Linear scan (cyclic), staircase, square wave, and normal and reverse pulse voltammetry are used to characterize the response for anthracene oxidation at a platinum microcylinder electrode. It is shown that such electrodes are well-suited to kinetic studies. It is normally assumed that the oxidation of anthracene follows an ECE mechanism. However, it is shown, particularly by comparison of simulated data for reverse pulse voltammetry with experimental values, that the mechanism is DISPI. The rate constant for the following chemical reaction depends on the voltammetric time-scale, and thus the overall reaction is not yet completely characterized.