What is randles-sevcik equation?

The Randles-Sevcik equation is an important equation in the field of electrochemistry that is used to describe the current response of an electrochemical cell during cyclic voltammetry experiments. It is named after Edgar Randles and Charles W. Sevcik, who developed the equation in the 1940s.

The Randles-Sevcik equation is expressed as:

i = nFAD₀Cv/√(1 + (v/α)²)

Where:

  • i is the current
  • n is the number of electrons transferred in the redox reaction
  • F is the Faraday constant (96,485 C/mol)
  • A is the electrode area (cm²)
  • D₀ is the diffusion coefficient of the analyte (cm²/s)
  • C is the analyte concentration (mol/cm³)
  • v is the scan rate (V/s)
  • α is the charge transfer coefficient

The Randles-Sevcik equation is used to analyze the behavior of electrochemical cells, predict diffusion-limited currents, and determine kinetic parameters such as the diffusion coefficient and charge transfer coefficient. It is particularly useful in studying reversible and irreversible redox reactions.