Which of the following statements is false about anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV)?

• A. Based on potentiometry
• B. Occurs in an electrochemical cell
• C. Involves preconcentration of the analyte by electroplating
• D. Used to measure lead

Answer: (A)

Anodic stripping voltammetry is a voltammetric technique where the analyte is first concentrated on the electrode surface by electroplating the metal from solution onto the working electrode at a negative potential. After this deposition, the potential is swept or stepped in the positive direction, causing the deposited metal to oxidize back into solution. The current produced during this stripping step is measured and yields a peak whose height or area is proportional to the analyte concentration. This whole process relies on controlled potential and current, which is the hallmark of voltammetry, not potentiometry. Potentiometry, by contrast, measures an equilibrium potential at essentially zero current to infer ion activity, not the current response to a potential sweep. The technique operates within an electrochemical cell comprising a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode. The preconcentration step is fundamental to ASV, boosting sensitivity for trace metals, and it’s routinely used to measure lead, among other metals.