Review—Women’s Contribution in the Pulse Voltammetric Theories and Applications: Pulse Voltammetry Stands on the Shoulders of Outstanding Women Electrochemists

Abstract

It is exactly a century since polarography was developed, which is seen as a predecessor of all voltammetric techniques. As cyclic voltammetry (CV) is the most prominent member in the family of voltammetric techniques for mechanistic studies, the so-called “pulse voltammetric techniques” emerged as simple and viable alternatives to CV for mechanistic characterizations and analytical application, as well as for kinetic and thermodynamic evaluations. The theories and practical application of pulse voltammetric techniques were largely developed by several women electrochemists. In this short overview, we outline some of the major achievements of five women electrochemists who contributed immensely to the theoretical and practical application of pulse voltammetric technique. Since the theory and application of pulse voltammetric techniques largely relies on the works of Janet Osteryoung, Sebojka Komorsky Lovric, Angela Molina, Anna Brainina, and Oliveira Brett, we give in this review a short historical overview of the major accomplishments of these five exceptional women electrochemists.