Question

($a$) What are the advantages of performing voltammetry with microelectrodes?

($b$) Is it possible for an electrode to be too small? Explain your answer.

Short answer

($a$) The advantages of performing voltammetry with microelectrodes are the ability to intermediates in fast electrochemical reactions, ability to scan potential very fast, $IR$drop is small.

($b$) The dimension of electrode decreases, the current is also smaller. This could be problematic when discussing molecular sizes.

Step-by-step solution

Advantage of performing Voltammetry.

The use of microelectrodes for voltammetry has the advantage of achieving a steady state quickly. Microelectrodes create small currents because the current is proportional to the area of the electrode. As a result, the potential can be scanned extremely quickly.

Microelectrodes.

Bioelectric electrodes with an ultrafine tapered tip that can be placed into individual biological cells are known as microelectrodes. These electrodes are extensively employed in neurophysiological studies and play a significant role in recording nerve impulses from single cells.

The advantages of performing voltammetry with microelectrodes. (part a)

The ability to intermediate in rapid electrochemical reactions, the ability to scan potential extremely quickly, and the minimal $IR$drop are all advantages of using microelectrodes for voltammetry.

Possibility for an electrode to be too small. (part b)

As the size of the electrode shrinks, the current shrinks as well. When discussing molecular sizes, this could be troublesome.