This thesis investigates the nature of the potential variations in an electrochemical cell. The cell consists of palladium electrodes immersed in a phosphate buffer electrolyte with a Ag/AgCl double junction reference electrode. The relaxation response of the electrodes to an applied potential is examined and current-potential curves ("voltammograms") are generated by plotting the current flowing through an external circuit versus the measured electrode potential. These graphs show regions of hydrogen adsorption/desorption and areas of oxygen adsorption/desorption. The response of the cell to both nitrogen and oxygen "sparging," a technique that alters the gas concentration of the electrolyte, is also studied. Under these conditions, the potential fluctuates in a predictable manner. In addition, the voltage variations of palladium electrodes inserted into stems of tomato plants is investigated to compare results. The goal of this project is to provide evidence supporting the "Oxygen Hypothesis."
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/291974 |
| Date | January 1992 |
| Creators | Clymer, John Owen, 1960- |
| Contributors | Gensler, William |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Thesis-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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