Impedance of a passive iron electrode in a solution containing a reducing agent

Frequency dependences of impedance of a passive iron electrode in 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ solutions with and without 0.01 M K₄[Fe(CN)₆] are obtained by a pulsed method and the Fourier transform. At 1–1000 Hz, the results in 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ satisfactorily agree with our previous results obtained by a lock-in method. With the [Fe(CN)₆]^4- ions present, the impedance decreases faster at lower frequencies. The impedance of the oxide film/solution interface relaxes longer the film impedance. These conclusions are similar to those obtained earlier.Translated from Elektrokhimiya, Vol. 41, No. 1, 2005, pp. 97–101.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Klyuev, Rotenberg, Batrakov.To the Centennial of B.N. Kabanov.     

Effect of Nb alloying additions on the characteristics of anodic oxide films on zirconium and their stability in NaOH solution

The characteristics of oxide films on Zr and Zr–Nb alloys (with Nb content of 2.5, 5, and 10 at.%) galvanostatically formed (at a current density of 100 μA cm^?2) in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution were investigated by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy spectra were interpreted in terms of an “equivalent circuit” with the circuit elements representing the electrochemical properties of a single layer oxide. The resistance of the oxide films was found to increase with increased Nb content in the alloy while the capacitance showed an opposite trend. The stability of the anodic oxide films grown in the sulfuric acid solution on Zr and Zr–Nb alloys was investigated by simultaneously measuring the electrode capacitance and resistance at a working frequency of 1 kHz as a function of exposure time to naturally aerated 3 M NaOH solution. Analyses of the electrode capacitance and resistance values indicated a decrease in chemical dissolution rate of the oxide films with the increase of Nb content in the alloy.     

Mechanism of anodic oxidation of tungsten in neutral sulphate-fluoride solutions

The anodic oxidation of tungsten has been studied in 1 M Na₂SO₄ solutions containing 0–0.25 M NaF. Steady-state currents measured in the passivation and passivity ranges increase significantly with increasing fluoride concentration, indicating enhanced dissolution of the oxide film. The electrochemical impedance response is dominated by the processes in the barrier layer and at its interface with the electrolyte. The presence of a pseudo-inductive loop in the impedance spectra at intermediate frequencies indicates point defect interaction during film growth and dissolution processes. A kinetic model including the recombination reaction between oppositely charged point defects at the film/solution interface as well as a kinetic scheme for tungsten dissolution through the film mediated by cation vacancies is proposed. It is found to reproduce satisfactorily the steady-state currents and the impedance spectra in the potential range 0.2–2 V. Such a model for the conduction mechanism in the barrier layer is believed to be an essential part of a modelling approach to the formation of a nanoporous overlayer on tungsten in fluoride-containing solutions.     

In situ monitoring of the rising of aqueous solution meniscus for a partially immersed silver electrode during electrochemical reduction of oxygen

Rising phenomena of aqueous solution meniscus were found for the silver electrode of a 5 MHz piezoelectric quartz crystal (PQC) partially immersed in Na₂SO₄, NaClO₄, HClO₄ and NaF aqueous solutions at oxygen reduction potentials, respectively. A detailed study revealed that a decrease in contact‐angle hysteresis (or a contact‐angle decrease) and a continued collection of the water product at the solid‐gas‐solution interface during oxygen reduction, rather than the electrocapillary effect and an agitation effect induced by the oscillation of PQC, are responsible for the meniscus‐rising phenomena. In addition, in situ determination of the immersed height of a partially immersed Ag electrode was studied on the basis of simultaneous measurements of the electroacoustic admittance and electrochemical impedance.     

Study on the Impedance Characteristic and Electrocatalytic Activity of Platinum‐Modified Polyaniline Film

The composite electrode of platinum‐modified polyaniline film is formed in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ + 3 mM H₂PtCl₆ solution by cyclic potential or constant potential deposition of platinum particles in polyaniline film. To make a comparison, the polyaniline film with the same initial thickness and structure is also treated with the cyclic potential or constant potential polarization in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of the composite electrode of platinum‐modified polyaniline film is studied in sulfuric acid solution and compared with the EIS of the polyaniline film without platinum dispersion. The results show that the different modes of potential polarization affect greatly the nature and distribution of the platinum particles, instead of the structure of the polyaniline film (matrix). The electrode reaction kinetics and mass transport process parameters involving charge transfer resistance (R_ct), double layer capacitance (C_dl), constant phase elements (CPE) and Warburg impedance in platinum substrate/platinum‐modified polyaniline film/solution interface are discussed on the basis of the interpretation of the characteristic impedance spectra and connected to the electrocatalytic activity on the oxidation of methanol molecules.     

Surface characteristics of anodic oxide films fabricated in acid and neutral electrolytes on Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al alloy

Anodic oxide films were fabricated on Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al alloy in acid (H₂SO₄/H₃PO₄) and neutral environmental friendly (C₄H₄O₆Na₂) electrolytes. The morphology, roughness, crystalline structure of the anodic oxide film were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that the oxide film fabricated in H₂SO₄/H₃PO₄ electrolyte had a porous structure and the thickness of the film was 3.5 µm. The oxide film fabricated in C₄H₄O₆Na₂ electrolyte presented a nonporous structure that sustained the evident microstructure of the substrate, and the thickness of the film was 6.0 µm. The surface average roughness values of the two types of films were 245 nm and 166 nm, respectively. The phase of the anodic oxide films consisted mainly of anatase and rutile. EIS results showed that the film fabricated in C₄H₄O₆Na₂ electrolyte had higher impedance of the outer layer, while the film fabricated in H₂SO₄/H₃PO₄ electrolyte had higher impedance of the inner layer. Moreover, we attempt to explain the differences in the anodizing kinetics, structure and electrochemical impedance of anodic oxide films by the different films growth processes in the two types of electrolytes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Optimization of Solution Condition for an Effective Electrochemical Reduction of N2O

An effective electrochemical reduction of nitrous oxide (N₂O) is established by controlling solution compositions in this study. N₂O was electrochemically reduced varying solvent composition and supporting electrolytes (K₂SO₄ and Na₂SO₄) concentrations. The differences in reduction current density and solution resistance were analyzed via linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), respectively, depending on solution conditions. UV‐Vis spectroscopy was adopted to measure the solubility of N₂O. As a result, among the conditions investigated in this study, 300 mM of K₂SO₄ and aqueous based solution were revealed as an optimum condition for the electrochemical N₂O reduction. At 300 mM of K₂SO₄, the highest current density was obtained due to a high conductance of the electrolyte and a moderate solubility of N₂O.     

Adsorption Kinetics of Normal-Heptanol on the Bismuth Single Crystal Planes

Cyclic voltammetry and impedance methods are employed for a quantitative study of normal-heptanol (n-HepOH) adsorption kinetics at the bismuth single-crystal plane/aqueous Na₂SO₄ solution interface. The results of nonlinear regression analysis show that the Frumkin–Melik-Gaikazyan (FMG) or Frumkin–Melik-Gaikazyan–Randles (FMGR) equivalent circuits can be used for the simulation of experimental impedance data. The dependences of adsorption capacitance (caused by the potential dependence of surface coverage), Warburg diffusion impedance, and adsorption resistance on the electrode potential and organic-compound concentration are established. Analysis of impedance data demonstrates that the adsorption of n-HepOH is mainly limited by the rate of diffusion of organic compound to the electrode surface. Small deviations toward mixed adsorption kinetics are established at very high frequencies. In the region of maximum adsorption in more concentrated n-HepOH solutions, the slow reorganization or two-dimensional association of adsorbed molecules is possible. However, the very low adsorption or partial charge transfer resistance values indicate that then-HepOH adsorption at Bi planes is a practically reversible process and thus there is no noticeable partial charge transfer between adsorbed n-HepOH molecules and Bi surface atoms.     

Impedance spectroscopy study of passive layers on the surface of lead-tin and lead-tin-calcium alloys anodically oxidized in 4.8 M sulfuric acid solution

The nature of passive films, which were formed at various potentials in 4.8 M H₂SO₄ solution on the lead-tin and lead-tin-calcium alloys, is studied by the method of impedance spectroscopy. At the potentials of 1.3 and 1.7 V, the electrode impedance is presented by the equivalent circuit, which corresponds to the formation of a bilayer film consisting of lead(II) sulfate and oxide on the electrode surface. Lead(II) oxide, which forms under the layer of lead sulfate, determines a high resistance of passive layer on the electrodes of lead alloys under investigation. An introduction of tin into the lead alloys significantly decreases the resistance of passive layers. An addition of calcium to the lead-tin alloy raises the impedance of the system. At a potential of 2.05 V, a single-layer compact passive film forms on the electrodes of the test lead alloys. It consists predominantly of lead oxides PbO _x (1 < x ≤ 2), which exhibit a higher electron conductivity. An introduction of tin into the lead alloys decreases the resistance of formed films; calcium has almost no effect on the resistance of passive film under these conditions.     

氧化石墨烯/聚吡咯插层复合材料的制备和电化学电容性能

以FeCl₃-甲基橙(MO)为模板, 通过化学原位聚合法成功制备出氧化石墨烯/聚吡咯(GO/PPy)插层复合材料. 采用X射线衍射(XRD)、傅里叶变换红外(FTIR)光谱、扫描电镜(SEM)和透射电镜(TEM)等测试技术对复合材料进行物性表征. 此外, 利用循环伏安、恒电流充放电和交流阻抗测试方法对复合材料在两种不同水系电解液(1 mol·L^-1 Na₂SO₄和1 mol·L^-1 H₂SO₄)中的电化学性能进行了研究. 结果显示: 氧化石墨烯和聚吡咯表现出各自优势并发挥协同作用, 使得GO/PPy插层复合材料在中性和酸性电解液中都显示出可观的比电容. 电流密度为0.5 A·g^-1时, GO/PPy 插层复合材料在Na₂SO₄和H₂SO₄电解液中的比电容分别为449.1 和619.0 F·g^-1, 明显高于纯PPy的比电容. 经过800 次循环稳定性测试后, 两种不同电解液中, 复合材料初始容量的保持率分别为92%和62%. 其中酸性电解液体系中初始容量更大, 而中性溶液中具有更稳定的循环性能.     

The role of carbon nanotubes on the capacitance of MnO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/CNTs

The electrochemical behavior of MnO₂/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been studied by using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge discharge measurement and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ solution. The loading mass of CNTs, the potential sweep rate as well as the frequency have been investigated in detail to make clear of their influence on capacitance, resistance, and relaxation time constant. The dependence of the voltammetric surface charge q* on different loading mass of CNTs and potential scan rate has been investigated. With the addition of CNTs, resistance and relaxation time constant of the material are reduced and the rate capability increased. In particular, CNTs is beneficial for the outer surface capacitance contribution of MnO₂. The outer surface capacitance contribution of MnO₂/CNTs (1: 1) can reach 67% total capacitance contribution.     

Hydrothermal conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into high-value energy storage materials

Preparation of hierarchically porous, heteroatom-rich nanostructured carbons through green and scalable routes plays a key role for practical energy storage applications. In this work, naturally abundant lignocellulosic agricultural waste with high initial oxygen content, hazelnut shells, were hydrothermally carbonized and converted into nanostructured ‘hydrochar'. Environmentally benign ceramic/magnesium oxide(Mg O) templating was used to introduce porosity into the hydrochar. Electrochemical performance of the resulting material(HM700) was investigated in aqueous solutions of 1 M H_2SO_4, 6 M KOH and1 M Na_2SO_4, using a three-electrode cell. HM700 achieved a high specific capacitance of 323.2 F/g in 1 M H_2SO_4(at 1 A/g,-0.3 to 0.9 V vs. Ag/Ag Cl) due to the contributions of oxygen heteroatoms(13.5 wt%)to the total capacitance by pseudo-capacitive effect. Moreover, a maximum energy density of 11.1 Wh/kg and a maximum power density of 3686.2 W/kg were attained for the symmetric supercapacitor employing HM700 as electrode material(1 M Na_2SO_4, E = 2 V), making the device promising for green supercapacitor applications.     

Conformal Coverage of ZnO Nanowire Arrays by ZnMnO3: Room-temperature Photodeposition from Aqueous Solution

Compositionally and structurally complex semiconductor oxide nanostructures gain importance in many energy-related applications. Simple and robust synthesis routes ideally complying with the principles of modern green chemistry are therefore urgently needed. Here we report on the one-step, room-temperature synthesis of a crystalline–amorphous biphasic ternary metal oxide at the ZnO surface using aqueous precursor solutions. More specifically, conformal and porous ZnMnO₃ shells are photodeposited from KMnO₄ solution onto immobilized ZnO nanowires acting not only as the substrate but also as the Zn precursor. This water-based, low temperature process yields ZnMnO₃/ZnO composite electrodes featuring in 1 M Na₂SO₄ aqueous solution capacitance values of 80–160 F g⁻¹ (as referred to the total mass of the porous film i. e. the electroactive ZnMnO₃ phase and the ZnO nanowire array). Our results highlight the suitability of photodeposition as a simple and green route towards complex functional materials.     

Growth of anodic oxide films on iron-triad metal monosilicides in sulfuric acid electrolyte

The mechanism and kinetics of electrochemical formation of anodic oxide films on iron-triad metal monosilicides in the 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution in the potential range of 0.5 to 1.5 V (NHE) were studied by the methods of polarization and impedance measurements. It was concluded that the oxide films on the surface of studied silicides consisted predominantly of SiO₂ and exhibited high barrier properties. The oxide film thickness and specific resistance in relation to the electrode potential were calculated from the impedance data. The constants of oxide film growth were determined.     

Distribution of elements in the surface layer of plasma-electrolytic coatings formed on titanium in electrolytes with MnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> particles

The influence of electrolytes (aqueous solutions of H₂SO₄, Na₂SO₃, and K₂B₄O₇ (group I) and Na₂SiO₃ (group II)), as well as the effects of pores and ridges around them, on the element composition of oxide coatings was studied. The addition of MnO₂ particles to electrolytes initiated the formation of large pores. The pores had increased titanium and decreased oxygen contents. Coatings I contained, on average, up to 1 at % Mn, and coatings II had up to 8 at % Mn; in the pores of II, the Mn concentration was increased to 18 at %. The coatings contained 7–28 at % carbon, which was concentrated in pores in I and on the surface of the oxide coating in II.     

Growth mechanism of anodic oxide films on pure aluminium in aqueous acidic and alkaline solutions

The present work was conducted to explore the growth mechanism of anodic oxide films on pure aluminium in aqueous acidic and alkaline solutions by using a.c. impedance spectroscopy and a beam deflection technique. From the analyses of a.c impedance data, it was found that the reciprocal capacitance of anodic oxide film on pure aluminium increased linearly with increasing film formation potential in both acidic and alkaline solutions, indicating a linear increase in the film thickness with film formation potential. However, as the film formation potential increased, the resistance of anodic oxide film decreased in acidic solution, while it increased in alkaline solution. From the measurements of the deflection, the deflection was observed to move towards only a compressive direction with time in acidic solution, but it showed a transition in the direction of movement from compressive to tensile in alkaline solution. Based upon the above experimental results, it is suggested that the movement of oxygen vacancy through the oxide film contributes to the growth of anodic oxide film on pure aluminium in acidic solution, but the movement of both aluminium vacancy and oxygen vacancy accounts for that oxide film growth in alkaline solution. Received: 12 August 1997 / Accepted: 9 October 1997     

水热法制备TiO_2纳米线薄膜的光生阴极保护性能

应用水热法在钛箔表面制备TiO2纳米线薄膜,采用场发射扫描电子显微镜、X射线衍射和紫外-可见分光光度法对薄膜进行表征,用电极电位和电化学阻抗谱考察TiO2光生阴极保护性能.结果表明:薄膜由纵横交错的锐钛矿型TiO2纳米线组成,纳米线的直径约10nm.在150℃下反应6h生成的TiO2纳米线薄膜在0.3mol·L-1 Na2SO4溶液和0.3mol·L-1 Na2SO4+0.5mol·L-1 HCOOH混合溶液中对与TiO2薄膜耦连的403不锈钢均有良好的阴极保护效应.TiO2膜所在溶液中含有HCOOH时,可使耦连的403不锈钢在0.5mol·L-1 NaCl溶液中电极电位负移约545mV,界面反应电阻显著变小,表明电解质溶液加入HCOOH可以增强TiO2纳米线薄膜对403不锈钢的光生阴极保护效应.     

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of mesoporous Al-stabilized TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> (anatase) in aprotic medium

High-frequency electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to investigate the mesoporous film of Al-stabilized TiO₂ on F-doped SnO₂ support in 1 M Li(CF₃SO₂)₂N in ethylene carbonate/dimethoxyethane (1:1 v/v). Kinetic parameters, viz. charge transfer resistance and chemical diffusion coefficient, were determined. Charge transfer resistance increased with time of contact of electrode in the above aprotic electrolyte solution. The increase followed exponential dependence, whereas the double layer capacitance, simultaneously, decreased exponentially with time. These effects were discussed in terms of the solid–electrolyte interface, which undergoes chemical changes upon contact with the electrolyte solution. Adel Attia is currently on leave from the Department of Physical Chemistry, National Research Center, El-Tahrir St., Dokki 12622, Cairo, Egypt.     

Study of the electrochemical behaviour of a carbon steel electrode in sodium sulfate aqueous solutions using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

The study of a plain carbon steel (AISI 1020) in Na₂SO₄ aqueous solutions at different concentrations was carried out by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in order to determine the corrosion mechanism and to obtain representative corrosion rates of the system. EIS was used to measure corrosion current densities at high concentrations in the range 0.1–1 wt% Na₂SO₄, but in the low concentration range, from 0.001 to 0.01 wt%, a scattered Nyquist plot was obtained. Other electrochemical techniques, such as polarization resistance (PR), Tafel plots and electrochemical noise (EN), were also used in this analysis. The charge transfer resistance was determined and compared with the PR and noise resistance. Electronic Publication