Reduction of Edge Effect on Disk Electrodes by Optimized Current Waveform

Rectangular pulses applied to disk electrodes result in high current density at the edges of the disk, which can lead to electrode corrosion and tissue damage. We explored a method for reducing current density and corrosion, by varying the leading edge of the current pulse. Finite-element modeling and mathematical analysis were used to predict an optimal waveform that reduces current density at the edge while also maintaining short pulse duration. An approximation of the optimized waveform was implemented experimentally and applied to platinum disk electrodes. Surface analysis using energy-dispersive spectroscopy showed significant reduction of corrosion on the periphery of these electrodes after pulsing, compared to those pulsed with the control rectangular waveform.