Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry: Open Access
Open Access

Electroanalytical methods

Electroanalytical methods are a sub discipline of analytical chemistry which determines the characteristics of an analyte present in an electrochemical cell.
These vast electrochemical methods fall into various categories which are dependent on the key component which regulates/controls the cell.

The major categories are as follows:

• Potentiometry 
  • This method consists of a reference and indicator electrode.
  • The difference of potential between the two electrode’s  provides significant information about the sample.
• Coulometry
  •    This branch of science is concerned with the study of the analyte using applied current or potential.
  •   Potentiostatic Coulometry/ Bulk electrolysis and coulometric titrations are few common practices to measure the sample.
•     Voltammetry
  •     This technique is used to understand the reduction potential and electrochemical reactivity of an analyte.
  •    The sample is subjected to a constant/varying potential at an electrode’s surface to record and analyse the current produced. 
•  Voltammetry falls into two sub classes termed as Polarography and Amperometry.