Question

Why is it important not to stir the solution in a cyclic voltammetry experiment?

Answer 1

Fot the cell used in this experiment the electrodes (reference electrode, working electrode, and counter electrode) are immobile and sit in unstirred solutions during cyclic voltammetry. This "still" solution method is responsible for giving rise to cyclic voltammetry's characteristic diffusion-controlled peaks. So in order to get the appropriate diffusion peaks without any disturbance it is advisable not to stir the solution while performing the experiment.

However before proceeding to the new experiment stirring the solution between cyclic voltammetry traces is important in order to supply the electrode surface with fresh analyte for each new experiment.