When a voltage is applied to an electrolysis cell, immediately following this an Electric Double Layer (EDL), or a diffusion layer, is theoretically formed. This can create a capacitance, or can cause the electrolyser to act as a capacitor. When this is present, excess voltage must be supplied by the direct current to compensate for the loss in the capacitor, which rises the required voltage supplied to what is called the thermo-neutral voltage. One of the aims of PDC electrolysis is to overcome this, and theoretically, when the PMW switches the current on, a capacitance will be stored, and when the duty cycle is over, it will be released, continuing the flow of current whilst reducing the EDL that is formed.
Poláčik and Pospíšil believe that by manipulating the dependent variables, such as the duty cycle, can increase or decrease the effectiveness of pulse electrolysis at reducing this layer. A theoretical equation, the Sand equation, is used to calculate the amount of time required to allow the EDL to fall to zero, and allow PDC electrolysis to achieve its highest efficiencies.