Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and cyclic voltammetry
(CV) are the most widely used voltammetric
techniques for studying redox reactions of both organic
and inorganic compounds because they are unmatched in
their ability to provide information on the steps involved
in electrochemical processes with only a modest expenditure
of time and effort in the acquisition and interpretation
of data. These electroanalytical methods
require rather simple and inexpensive instrumentation
and provide information not only on the electrochemical
quantities typical of a redox process, but also on possible
chemical reactions coupled with charge transfer steps.
This is because the electrode can be used as a tool for
producing reactive species in a small solution layer surrounding
its surface and at the same time for monitoring
chemical reactions in which they are involved. Moreover,
as the relevant responses can be obtained within a few
milliseconds after stimulation of the electrode, they may
be used for studying even very fast reactions, thus
allowing detection of short-lived transient intermediates.
The LSV and CV techniques were proposed in the
early 1950s, together with some theoretical approaches
for rationalizing the simplest responses. However, the use
of these electroanalytical methods has received considerable
impetus only more recently, thanks to increased
knowledge of more subtle criteria for interpreting the
relevant responses and to greater availability of theoretical
tools for processing experimental data.
This article briefly summarizes the performance of
these techniques, as well as the criteria followed to gain
information on participants in electrochemical processes
from the recorded responses.
