The effect of iodide on the electrochemical reduction of thick oxide films formed on platinum electrodes in sulfuric acid solution

The reduction of thick oxide films formed on Pt under severe anodic conditions was studied in the presence of adsorbed I^?. The Pt electrode covered with a thick oxide film does not adsorb I^?. However, when a superficial monolayer oxide on the thick oxide has been reduced, I^? is irreversibly adsorbed. Iodide adsorbed on its surface blocks the adsorption of hydrogen and retards markedly the cathodic reduction of the inner thick oxide remaining. It was found that the reduction rate of the inner oxide depends only on the coverage by hydrogen, which coexists with adsorbed I^?. These results support the proton-electron theory which has previously been proposed for the explanation of the characteristic reduction of the thick oxide films.