Introduction
In the beginning, electrochemical experiments were reduced to potential measurements of systems, which were stationary or in equilibrium. But with time, scientists became interested in systems apart from equilibrium [1] or even in time-dependent reactions. This was realized by galvanostatic experiments (Potentiostat), which were by two reasons advantageous: They were easily realized and guaranteed a constant reaction rate, which was relevant in some cases. Moreover, time-dependent reactions could be monitored, if the potential was recorded vs. time. These charging curves were the main technique to follow electrode kinetics up to the sixties of the last century.
The potential, however, or more precise, the potential drop somewhere within the electrode interface, is said to be the cause of all electrochemical reactions. Therefore, scientists tried to control the potential of electrodes or cells.
Less effective was the use of a power supply and variable resistors, controlled...
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Lohrengel, M. (2014). Potentiostat. In: Kreysa, G., Ota, Ki., Savinell, R.F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Applied Electrochemistry. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-6996-5_232
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