Troubleshooting Cyclic Voltammetry: Fixing a Flatlining Signal

Introduction
Hi everyone! This is going to be a quick troubleshooting post to help out with an issue some users have encountered while performing cyclic voltammetry (CV) with their potentiostat.

The Problem

Recently, I received an inquiry from a user who was trying to run CV on their sensor but noticed that their signal was essentially flatlining. Here’s what their setup looked like:

• Potentiostat: The same model as mine.

• Electrodes: 501 carbon electrodes.

• App: Connected via Bluetooth to the potentiostat.

Everything seemed correctly configured—the app was paired, the electrodes were set up properly—but instead of seeing the expected oxidation-reduction peaks, their CV curve was nearly flat.

The Solution

After a quick check, I realized the issue wasn’t with the setup itself but with the current range setting.

What Was Happening?

• The user expected a signal around 150 µA, but their current range was set to 100 µA.

• Since the actual current exceeded the selected range, the signal appeared clipped or flat.

How to Fix It

It’s a simple adjustment:

1. Open your potentiostat settings.

2. Adjust the current range to a higher value (e.g., 1000 µA instead of 100 µA).

3. Re-run your experiment.

That’s it! If your CV signal looks flat, check your current range—it might just be set too low.

Why This Matters

At ZP, we’re hands-on with our instruments and committed to fast, effective support. Whether it’s a quick video tutorial or direct troubleshooting, we make sure you get the help you need—straight from the source.

Need Help?

If you run into any issues or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you get the best performance from your equipment.

Thanks for reading, and happy experimenting! 🚀