What is the main function of a potentiostat?

The main function of a potentiostat is to control voltage and measure current. This instrument is essential in electrochemistry as it allows precise control over the potential applied to an electrochemical cell while simultaneously measuring the resulting current. By maintaining a specific voltage, the potentiostat enables detailed studies of the electrochemical behavior of materials, including redox reactions, corrosion processes, and electrode kinetics.

In practice, this capability is crucial for performing techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, where the relationship between current and voltage is analyzed to understand the electrochemical properties of a system. The controlled environment allows researchers to reproduce experiments and obtain reliable data essential for characterizing electrodes and studying reaction mechanisms.

The importance of controlling voltage while measuring current cannot be overstated, as such measurements directly relate to the electrochemical processes occurring at the electrodes, providing insights into reaction pathways and efficiencies.