Method and apparatus for controlling an electrochemical process

An apparatus for reducing overpotential required for an electrochemical reaction at a working electrode, comprising:

• a primary circuit which includes a switch and a primary voltage source arranged to apply a primary voltage between a working electrode and a counter electrode of the primary circuit to implement an electrochemical reaction, wherein the primary circuit includes a first switch for electrical isolation of the working electrode from the counter electrode prior to implementation of the electrochemical reaction;
• and
• independent to the primary circuit, a control circuit including a second switch and a secondary voltage source, wherein the secondary voltage source is configured to apply a secondary voltage to the control circuit after the working electrode is electrically isolated from the counter electrode prior to implementation of the electrochemical reaction,
• wherein the control circuit is configured such that actuation of the second switch completes the control circuit and applies the secondary voltage to generate and asymmetrically store a net electrical charge on the electrically isolated working electrode, wherein the asymmetrically stored net electrical charge reduces an overpotential at the working electrode required for the electrochemical reaction.