SCAN-Lab Technical Notes 08: Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique (SVET): factors affecting the measurement

Introduction

The SVET (Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique) is based on the measurement of a potential difference in a solution between the two travel points of a vibrating probe perpendicular to the sample. The measurement of this ohmic drop can be related to the ionic current flowing from a sample. The ability of the probe to detect a response related to actual currents flowing from the sample is dependent on the magnitude of the current, the distance of the probe from the sample and the conductivity of the electrolyte. This application note provides guidelines on how operational conditions can be optimized in SVET measurements.