In the context of cyclic voltammetry, what is meant by "reduced species"?

In cyclic voltammetry, the term "reduced species" refers to a species that gains electrons during the electrochemical reaction. This reduction process is fundamental to understanding how species interact at the electrode surface in this technique.

When a species is reduced, it undergoes a decrease in oxidation state, which is directly related to the acceptance of electrons. This is an essential concept in electrochemistry, as it allows for the analysis of redox processes, where species can be interconverted between their oxidized and reduced forms.

In cyclic voltammetry, the reduction of a species can be observed as a cathodic peak in the voltammogram, indicating the potential where the species accepts electrons and becomes a more negatively charged species. This behavior is pivotal for exploring the redox properties of different compounds, determining electrochemical potentials, and understanding kinetics and mechanisms in electrochemical reactions.

Hence, the correct understanding of a "reduced species" reinforces not only the biochemical interactions involved but also the interpretations of the electrochemical data gathered through techniques such as cyclic voltammetry.