Why use an electrolyte and nitrogen purging when taking polarographic measurements?
The electrolyte carries the background current so that what the polarograph measures is only the diffusion current which is related to concentration. N2 purging is to remove oxygen, because oxygen itself is reduced at an Hg electrode and produces a massive interference. You’d be better going to the library and getting Bard & Faulkner, Electrochemical Methods. Best electrochemistry book written.
