Pt{111} and Au{111} electrocapillarity: Interphase structure, the pzc, and oxygen reduction

Th Heaton, Cody Friesen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Large changes in stress (of order GPa) are observed with relatively modest variations in applied potential (on the order of 500 mV), even in nonspecifically adsorbing electrolyte solutions. Here we present the electrocapillarity behavior (in situ surface stress evolution) of Pt{111} and Au{111} electrodes. We relate the magnitude and anodic/cadiodic hysteresis of the stress-potential behavior to the potential dependent water orientation at the electrode/electrolyte interface. We show that our results are strongly correlated to previously published infrared spectroscopy data on die potential dependence of interphase structure. Finally, measurements of Pt in oxygen saturated electrolytes are presented, allowing for a direct comparison between features in the surface stress behavior and the "turn-on-" potential for oxygen reduction. We found that oxygen reduction occurs only once the potential was cathodic enough to begin depleting the interface of oxygendown oriented water.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)14433-14439
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry C
Volume111
Issue number39
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 4 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • General Energy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films

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