Bistability is defined as a behavior resulting from an autocatalytic effect in chemical systems, in which it is possible for systems to have more than one equilibrium state. Bistable regions are of interest to us when interactions between reaction sites are perpetuated because coupled systems hold properties similar to neural networks and might help to elucidate the mechanism behind the transmission of information between neurons in the human brain. Prior study in this field has not yet isolated the repercussions of adding inhibitory connections (negative resistance) to an electrochemical electrode system. My project will look at how negative coupling affects the bistable region of a system of nickel electrodes in an electrolyte of 3M sulfuric acid.
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