An Impedance Interpretation of Small Amplitude Cyclic Voltammetry: I . Theoretical Analysis for a Resistive‐Capacitive System

The transient response of an equivalent circuit for an electrode/solution interface to a small‐amplitude triangular potential excitation is derived by use of transform analysis. The response consists of both transient and steady‐state contributions. The predicted steady‐state response yields a hysteresis loop that is qualitatively similar to those exhibited by real systems under small‐amplitude cyclic voltammetric conditions. Numerical analysis illustrates the dependence of the response on the voltage sweep rate, and the analysis of experimental data for corroding 90:10 Cu:Ni alloy in flowing seawater is described.