Amperometry: Measuring Current Flow in Electrochemical Cells

Amperometry is a technique used to measure the current flowing through an electrochemical cell, such as a fuel cell or an electrolytic cell. The term "amperometry" comes from the Greek words "ampere," meaning "current," and "metry," meaning "measurement."

In an amperometric measurement, a small voltage is applied across the cell, and the resulting current flowing through the cell is measured using an ammeter. The current flowing through the cell is directly proportional to the rate of the electrochemical reaction occurring within the cell. By measuring the current, the rate of the reaction can be determined, and this information can be used to understand the behavior of the cell and the underlying chemical reactions.

Amperometry is commonly used in a wide range of applications, including fuel cell research, electrolytic capacitor manufacturing, and biomedical sensing. It is a powerful tool for studying electrochemical reactions and has many advantages over other techniques, such as voltammetry and potentiometry.