ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a brief review of voltametry, including a discussion of the concepts and properties of electrochemical probes, potentiometry, amperometry, polarography, and coulometry. Voltametric analyzers monitor the current, voltage, or charge that results from a specific redox reaction of the analyte in question. Successful application of voltametry for monitoring and controlling process streams requires an understanding of the significant voltametric variables. The control of diffusional mass transport is important for chrono-potentiometry, amperometry, and polarography. In amperometry the titrating reagent is coulometrically generated and the current that passes through a polarographic cell is measured as a function of reagent volume or time. Although instruments are available for all types of voltametric analysis, only potentiometry, polarography, amperometry, and coulometry can be performed on-line in a process stream. Electrochemical probes are electrochemical cells that have been designed to respond to the presence of a particular analyte.
