Electrochemical analysis is a branch of chemistry where we study and measure substances using their electrical properties. In simple terms, it uses electricity to find out information about chemicals.
Here’s how it works:
- Basic idea: Many chemical reactions involve the transfer of electrons (redox reactions). By measuring the flow of electrons (current) or the voltage (potential) during these reactions, we can learn about the chemicals involved.
- Purpose: It helps us determine the amount, concentration, or identity of a substance.
Common techniques in electrochemical analysis:
- Voltammetry: Measures current as voltage changes to find information about a substance.
- Potentiometry: Measures the voltage of a cell without drawing current, often using ion-selective electrodes (like pH meters).
- Coulometry: Measures the total charge passed to determine how much substance reacted.
- Conductometry: Measures how well a solution conducts electricity, which changes with ion concentration.
Uses:
- Detecting metal ions in water.
- Measuring glucose in blood.
- Testing batteries or fuel cells.
- Monitoring pollutants in the environment.
In short, electrochemical analysis is like “listening to the electricity” produced or used by a chemical reaction to figure out what’s in a sample and how much there is.