Fundamental Studies on the Current-Voltage Curve in Polarography. I

The formula of the current-voltage curve in polarography has been derived from the view-point of chemical kinetics and independently of the Nernst’s equation. As a result, it has been clearly shown that if the condition of the diffusion-control is fulfilled the formula which had been derived from the Nernst’s equation has been obtained in the various types of the electrode reaction. Of these types both the oxidation-reduction of the simple (or hydrated) metal ions and the deposition of the metals from the simple (or hydrated) metal ions have been dealt with in the present paper. It is also suggested that the “ irreversible wave” which cannot be treated theoretically based on the Nernst’s equation can possibly be dealt with by the similar derivation as mentioned here. The authors take this opportunity of acknowledging their gratitude to Director San-ichiro Mizushima for his kind advice and encouragement throughout this study. The cost of this research has been defrayed from the Scientific Research Encouragement Grant from the Department of Education, to which the authors’ thanks are due.