Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV)

Differential pulse voltammetry performs a potential scan using constant-amplitude pulses superimposed on a stepped potential baseline. The current is measured continuously at a high sampling rate to capture the electrochemical response.

Optional OCV measurement and start ramp features ensure safe operation of the test specimen, with customizable scan rates for the initial ramp phase. Integration times for both pulse and step currents can be optimized during post-measurement analysis.

Parameter Description

Parameter	Name	Description	Unit
E start	start potential	starting DC potential can be set in absolute potential or relative to OCV	V
E step	step potential	potential of each step for the staircase function	V
E pulse	pulse potential	potential of each pulse added to the staircase potenial	V
E end	end potential	maximum DC potential of the last step and pulse can be set in absolute potential or relative to OCV	V
t settle	settle time	settling time at E start before the first DPV step and pulse is stimulated	s
t step	step duration	duration of each step of the staircase step duration should be at least twice as long as pulse duration	s
t pulse	pulse duration	duration of each pulse	s
I range	current range	expected maximum absolute current value for fixed current range selection (autoranging is disabled)	A
ODR	output data rate	number of measurement points per second note: the current is always measured at the maximum possible speed and integrated for the selected data rate	\(\frac{1}{s}\)
I min	minimum current	minimum current limit for premature determination	A
I max	maximum current	maximum current limit for premature determination	A

A Start Phase Potentiostatic can be enabled or disabled before the method is executed.

Measurement Result

The measurement records voltage and current as functions of time, with specific sampling at two critical points: immediately before pulse application and at the end of each pulse. The integration times for both pulse and step currents can be adjusted later in the Zahner Analysis software. The difference between these current measurements is plotted against potential, creating a derivative-like response compared to linear sweep or normal pulse voltammetry.

This differential approach produces characteristic peak-shaped curves, where peak height typically correlates directly with analyte concentration in solution. Integration times for current sampling can be fine-tuned during data analysis to optimize signal quality and analytical precision.

Note

Important: The peak potential does not correspond to the redox potential! The relationship is: E _peak = E½ - E _pulse / 2, where E½ is the formal potential.

Custom Experiment Builder

This experiment is a combination of the following blocks:

• Open Circuit Measurement

• Ramp - Current Voltage Curve

• DPV - Differential Pulse Voltammetry