Electrocatalyst surfaces. Annual report, January-December 1987

Technical Report · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:5339647

Hubbard, A T

The structure, composition, and electrochemical reactivity of Pt, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir and Au surfaces are being investigated. Adsorbed layers formed on these surfaces in aqueous solutions are investigated as a function of electrode potential, pH, temperature, nature of the electrolyte ions, nature of the organic fuel, concentrations of solute species, electrode surface structure, and surface roughness. Unique instrumentation is employed for these experiments: LEED for surface atomic and molecular structure; Auger specroscopy for surface elemental composition; EELS and surface FTIR for adsorbate vibrational characterization; x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for surface electronic structure; and UHV-compatible electroanalysis apparatus for electrochemical characterization. Each of these techniques is applied to each electrocatalyst without exposing the surface to air or other contaminants. Data gathered during the project are identifying fertile areas for practical development and providing a framework for future basic research in the area. These experiments are revealing a number of important aspects of electrocatalytic reactions: the most-active surface planes, imperfections, additives and impurities; the identities of adsorbed intermediates and surface-blocking adsorbates; the molecular basis for the dependence of electrocatalytic activity upon pH, potential, concentration, temperature and nature of the participating species; and the comparative electrocatalytic activities of well-defined surfaces of metals.

• Research Organization: Cincinnati Univ., OH (USA). Dept. of Chemistry
• OSTI ID: 5339647
• Report Number(s): PB-88-178629/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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ELECTROCATALYSTS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
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