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Interaction of thiols with n-type cadmium sulfide and n-type cadmium selenide in aqueous solutions: adsorption of thiolate anion and efficient photoelectrochemical oxidation to disulfides

Journal Article · · J. Phys. Chem.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/j100408a051· OSTI ID:5457412

Organic thiols, RSH = cysteamine, 2-mercaptoethanol, penicillamine, or cysteine, effectively suppress photoanodic decomposition of n-CdS and n-CdSe in aqueous solution and undergo efficient controlled potential photoelectrochemical oxidation to the corresponding disulfides, RSSR. Photovoltage greater than 700 mV is observed for certain thiols upon excitation of the semiconductor anode with light of energy greater than the band gap. As electrodes for preparative electrosynthesis, both illuminated n-CdS and n-CdSe offer significant electrical energy savings compared to conventional electrochemical oxidation in the dark at a Pt electrode. The oxidation of RSH to RSSR at n-CdS and n-CdSe has been studied under various conditions.

Research Organization:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
OSTI ID:
5457412
Journal Information:
J. Phys. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Phys. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 90:17; ISSN JPCHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English