What does a high charge transfer resistance suggest about an electrochemical process?

What does a high charge transfer resistance suggest about an electrochemical process?

• A. The process occurs rapidly
• B. The process is inhibited and may be slow
• C. The process is irreversible
• D. The process is only applicable at high temperatures

Answer: (B)

A high charge transfer resistance indicates that the electrochemical process is hindered and may proceed at a slower rate. Charge transfer resistance reflects the difficulty with which electrons are transferred during an electrochemical reaction at the electrode interface. When this resistance is high, it typically means that there are barriers to electron movement, which may be caused by factors such as surface passivation, low conductivity of the electrode material, or unfavorable thermodynamic conditions. In practical terms, a high charge transfer resistance can lead to slower reaction kinetics. This means that the redox reactions involved in the electrochemical process take longer to occur, which is indicative of an inhibited process. Consequently, high charge transfer resistance is often associated with sluggish electrode kinetics, suggesting that if one were to investigate the process, one would observe a decrease in the rate at which it happens. Option B encapsulates this scenario where the process is indeed inhibited, leading to slower rates of electron transfer, making this option the most accurate reflection of the implications of high charge transfer resistance.

A high charge transfer resistance indicates that the electrochemical process is hindered and may proceed at a slower rate. Charge transfer resistance reflects the difficulty with which electrons are transferred during an electrochemical reaction at the electrode interface. When this resistance is high, it typically means that there are barriers to electron movement, which may be caused by factors such as surface passivation, low conductivity of the electrode material, or unfavorable thermodynamic conditions.

In practical terms, a high charge transfer resistance can lead to slower reaction kinetics. This means that the redox reactions involved in the electrochemical process take longer to occur, which is indicative of an inhibited process. Consequently, high charge transfer resistance is often associated with sluggish electrode kinetics, suggesting that if one were to investigate the process, one would observe a decrease in the rate at which it happens.

Option B encapsulates this scenario where the process is indeed inhibited, leading to slower rates of electron transfer, making this option the most accurate reflection of the implications of high charge transfer resistance.