Cyclic Voltammetry and Structural Studies of Nitric Oxide Monolayers Adsorbed on Pt(111)

The structural analysis of the adsorption of NO monolayers on Pt(111) from solution has been explored by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The monolayers were formed from acid solutions saturated with NO gas as well and from nitrite solutions in sulfuric acid. Results by both techniques indicate a maximum coverage of 0.2 monolayers as well as the presence of NO molecularly adsorbed on the surface with different orientations. The voltammetric oxidation of NO gives rise to two peaks separated in the voltammogram by 50 mV. This value is in agreement with the theoretical value of 9 kJ corresponding to the difference between different adsorption sites. A mechanism for the surface mediated oxidation process from adsorbed NO to NO₂ under potential control is proposed.