Components of the net current in differential pulse polarography

As the modern (voltammetric) software packages offer 'resolution' of each individual net signal in differential pulse polarography (DPP) to its components, an attempt was made to test such a possibility on several model systems. Reversible and nonreversible reduction processes of simple metal ions (Cd2+, Eu3+) were included, together with some examples of the anion induced adsorption (Cd2+-I- and Pb2+-Br- systems) under conditions of partly or fully covered electrode surface. Taking into account that so called 'backward' current is in fact DC wave, it could be said that one technique is hidden within the other. Consequently, DPP measurements together with following of the 'backward' signals could give more information and save the time. 'Forward' component offers additional possibilities in data treatment, especially when its relationship to the 'backward' current (with respect to the potential and height) is taken into account. Such an approach seems promising, even when applied on a purely qualitative level, because some effects which cannot be observed if only the net signals are followed become obvious when their components are taken into consideration.