A supporting electrolyte, also known as a background electrolyte, is a substance added to an electrochemical system to provide a stable ionic environment, which enhances the conductivity of the solution. It helps maintain a constant ionic strength and can mitigate potential variations in the charge distribution during electrochemical reactions.
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A supporting electrolyte is an electrolyte added at a concentration high compared with that of the electroactive analyte. Its ions carry much of the solution electric current, reducing the electric-field-driven migration of the analyte.
The chosen electrolyte should not undergo appreciable interfering electrode reactions in the potential range being studied. It still affects ionic strength and interfacial conditions, so supporting-electrolyte identity is part of an electrochemical measurement's conditions.