Time Constant in an Electrochemical Cell

potential step ΔE (V)

1

double layer capacitance

C

dl

(F)

1.×

-6

10

charge transfer resistance

R

c

(Ω)

100

electrolyte resistance

R

e

(Ω)

200

The time constant is τ = 0.06667 ms.At t = τ, the current is 78.93% of its initial value.

The rate at which the charged interface of an electrode (the electrical double layer) is established is described by the time constant

τ

of the electrochemical cell. This Demonstration shows the impact of

τ

on the current flowing between the electrode and solution in response to a potential step.