| abstract |
The invention provides an electrochemical reaction wherein a controlled amount of a first reagent is generated electrochemically at an electrode in electrical contact with a solution of an electrochemically inert salt, comprising applying a suitable electrical potential to the electrode for a suitable time to generate a controlled amount of the first reagent by electrochemical reaction between the electrode and a species in solution producing a localized thin layer environment comprising the first reagent in the vicinity of the electrode; and monitoring the amount or presence of the first reagent or a further species produced in solution in response to production of the first reagent. The method invention thus involves generating the first reagent in situ at an electrode. Diffusion of the reagent in solution surrounding the electrode will result in creation of a localized environment of the reagent in the vicinity of the electrode, with the amount of reagent depending on the generating current and the length of time for which it is applied, and so being readily and easily controllable. |