Constant-potential electrolysis: determination of diffusion coefficients of thallium by using a hanging mercury drop electrode.

The technique of constant-potential electrolysis at a stationary spherical electrode (hanging mercury drop) was investigated for the determination of the diffusion coefficient of Tl(I) in sodium citrate-sodium hydroxide medium and of Tl in mercury. Current-time curves, at controlled potential, were obtained, covering periods from 1 to 25 sec after the start of the electrolysis. The influence of applied potential, time of electrolysis, convection and shielding of the electrode was studied.