Adsorption of hydrogen on Pt(1 1 1) and Pt(1 0 0) surfaces and its role in the HOR

Hydrogen adsorption isotherms, evaluated by combination of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, are reported on Pt(1 1 1) and Pt(1 0 0) surfaces in 0.1 M HClO₄. We found that at E > 0.05 V Pt(1 1 1) and Pt(1 0 0) are only partially covered by the adsorbed hydrogen (H_ad). On both surfaces, a full monolayer of the adsorbed hydrogen is completed at −0.1 V, i.e. the adsorption of atomic hydrogen is observed in the hydrogen evolution potential region. We also found, that the activity of the hydrogen oxidation reaction is mirrored by the shape of the hydrogen adsorption isotherms, implying that H_ad is in fact a spectator in the HOR.     

An ab initio study of CO adsorption on ceria(1 1 0)

Hartree–Fock and DFT calculations are reported for the CO/CeO₂(1 1 0) surface system. The electron density, electrostatic potential, atomic charges and projected electronic density of states have been calculated from an ECP-and-point-charge-embedded cluster model and is compared with periodic calculations. The agreement between the two surface models is reasonably good. A number of weakly bonding CO adsorption sites were found, with E_ads (BSSE-corrected) ranging from 0.01 to 0.22 eV per adsorbed molecule. The two most favourable sites are found in the vicinity of surface cerium ions, with the CO molecule oriented in a tilted fashion, C-end down. The surface-induced CO stretching vibrational frequency shifts on these sites are a redshift of ≈−30 cm⁻¹ and a blueshift of ≈25 cm⁻¹, respectively.     

Excess molar volumes of (an alkane + 1-chloroalkane) atT = 298.15 K

The densities of the following: (pentane  +  1-chloropropane, or 1-chlorobutane, or 1-chloropentane, or 1-chlorohexane), (hexane  +  1-chloropropane, or 1-chlorobutane, or 1-chloropentane, or 1-chlorohexane), (heptane  +  1-chloropropane, or 1-chlorobutane, or 1-chloropentane, or 1-chlorohexane), (octane  +  1-chloropropane, or 1-chlorobutane, or 1-chloropentane, or 1-chlorohexane), were measured at T =  298.15 K by means of a vibrating-tube densimeter. The excess molar volumes V_m^E, calculated from the density data, are negative for (pentane  +  1-chloropentane, or 1-chlorohexane) and (hexane  +  1-chlorohexane) over the entire range of composition. (Pentane  +  1-chlorobutane), (hexane  +  1-chloropentane) and (heptane  +  1-chlorohexane) exhibit an S-shapedV_m^E dependence. For all the other systems,V_m^E is positive. The V_m^Eresults were correlated using the fourth-order Redlich–Kister equation, with the maximum likelihood principle being applied for determining the adjustable parameters.     

On the origin of the double layer capacitance maximum of Pt(1 1 1) single crystal electrodes

The double layer capacitance vs potential, C_dl(E), curve of Pt(1 1 1) electrodes in aqueous KClO₄ and NaF solutions exhibits a maximum at about 0.1 V vs SCE. Since with lowered solute concentrations no Gouy–Chapman minimum can be found in C_dl(E), the peak is not related to the potential of zero free charge.     

Volumetric study of (2-methoxyethanol + tetrahydrofuran + cyclohexane) at T=298.15 K

The excess molar volumes V_m^E at T=298.15 have been determined in the whole composition domain for (2-methoxyethanol + tetrahydrofuran + cyclohexane) and for the parent binary mixtures. Data on V_m^E are also reported for (2-ethoxyethanol + cyclohexane). All binaries showed positive V_m^E values, small for (methoxyethanol + tetrahydrofuran) and large for the other ones. The ternary V_m^E surface is always positive and exhibits a smooth trend with a maximum corresponding to the binary (2-methoxyethanol + cyclohexane). The capabilities of various models of either predicting or reproducing the ternary data have been compared. The behaviour of V_m^E and of the excess apparent molar volume of the components is discussed in both binary and ternary mixtures. The results suggest that hydrogen bonding decreases with alcohol dilution and increases with the tetrahydrofuran content in the ternary solutions.     

Energetic characterisation of the system (water + 1-propoxypropan-2-ol) at T = 298.15 K

Given the importance that enthalpic and entropic contributions have in the interplay between thermodynamics and self-assembly of aqueous amphiphile systems, the energetic characterisation of the system {water + 1-propoxypropan-2-ol (1-pp-2-ol)} at T = 298.15 K was made by directly measuring excess partial molar enthalpies of 1-pp-2-ol and water, over the entire composition range, at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. Derivatives of the partial molar properties with respect to the composition are used to improve the understanding of molecular interactions in the water-rich region. The present results were compared with those for the well-studied system {water + 2-butoxyethanol (nC₄E₁)}, the two amphiphiles being structural isomers.     

Identifying spectator bonds in modeling reactions: OH + CO → H + CO2

An adiabatic quantum dynamical model is introduced to solve a paradox with respect to the role of the CO vibration in the OH + CO(v) → H + CO₂ reaction. The previous agreement of five-dimensional diabatic with six-dimensional results for CO(v = 0), which erroneously suggested that the CO bond acts as a spectator, is due to a compensation of effects. For CO(v = 1), the reduced dimensionality adiabatic model approximates better the full-dimensional results. Whether AB acts as a spectator in a reaction with X cannot be decided on the basis of a diabatic calculation for AB(v = 0) + X only.     

Comparative theoretical study of the structure and bonding of propyne on the Pt(1 1 1) and Pd(1 1 1) surfaces

The interaction of propyne with the Pt(1 1 1) and Pd(1 1 1) surfaces has been studied by means of the generalised gradient approach of density functional theory using periodic slab models. For both surfaces, the most stable adsorption mode of propyne is di-σ/π mode where the hydrocarbon is σ-bonded to two metal atoms with some additional π bonding to a third adjacent surface atom. The adsorption geometry is a highly distorted propyne with the C₁ and C₂ in a nearly sp² hybridisation. Two equivalent surface structures have been found on Pt and Pd. These correspond to the adsorption on the fcc or hcp hollow sites. The adsorption energies on Pt(1 1 1) and Pd(1 1 1) are predicted to be ∼−197 and −161 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. The electronic factors that control the chemisorption have been analysed by means of the projected density of states.     

Electrochemical deposition of PbTe onto n-Si(1 0 0) wafers

Electrochemical deposition of PbTe from 50 mM Pb(NO₃)₂ + 1 mM TeO₂ + 0.1 M HNO₃ solution onto n-Si(1 0 0) wafers was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry, ex situ SEM, XRD and EDX. Electrochemical behavior of n-Si(1 0 0) electrode in electrolytes 50 mM Pb(NO₃)₂ + 0.1 M HNO₃ and 1 mM TeO₂ + 0.1 M HNO₃ was also studied. No underpotential deposition (UPD) of Pb and Te onto n-Si was observed in the investigated systems indicating weak Pb–Si and Te–Si interactions. Deposition of Pb and Te on n-Si occurred with overvoltage via 3D island growth. Electrosynthesis of PbTe (NaCl-like structure, a = 0.650 nm) takes place due to codeposition of Pb and Te at potentials E > E_{Pb²⁺/Pb⁰} (lead UPD onto tellurium). Cathodic deposition of PbTe onto n-Si(1 0 0) is irreversible – there is no anodic current in the CV curve. Oxidation of PbTe on n-Si is observed only under illumination, when photoelectrons and photoholes are generated in silicon substrate.     

Physicochemical properties of {1-methyl piperazine (1) + water (2)} system at T = (298.15 to 343.15) K and atmospheric pressure

Densities (ρ) and viscosities (η) of aqueous 1-methylpiperazine (1-MPZ) solutions are reported at T = (298.15 to 343.15) K. Refractive indices (n_D) are reported at T = (293.15 to 333.15) K, and surface tensions (γ) are reported at T = (298.15 to 333.15) K. Derived excess properties, except excess viscosities (Δη), are found to be negative over the entire composition range. The addition of 1-MPZ reduces drastically the surface tension of water. The temperature dependence of surface tensions is explained in terms of surface entropy (S^S) and enthalpy (H^S). The measured and derived properties are used to probe the microscopic liquid structure of the bulk and surface of the aqueous amine solutions.     

Anomalous capacity and cycling stability of xLi2MnO3 · (1 − x)LiMO2 electrodes (M = Mn,Ni, Co) in lithium batteries at 50 °C

Transition metal oxides with composite xLi₂MnO₃ ·  (1 − x)LiMO₂ rocksalt structures (M = Mn, Ni, Co) are of interest as a new generation of cathode materials for high energy density lithium-ion batteries. After electrochemical activation to 4.6 or 4.8 V (vs. Li⁰) at 50 °C, xLi₂MnO₃ · (1 − x)LiMn_0.33Ni_0.33Co_0.33O₂ (x = 0.5, 0.7) electrodes deliver initial discharge capacities (>300 mAh/g) at a low current rate (0.05 mA/cm²) that exceed the theoretical values for lithiation back to the rocksalt stoichiometry (240–260 mAh/g), at least during the early charge/discharge cycles of the cells. Attention is drawn to previous reports of similar, but unaccounted and unexplained anomalous behavior of these types of electrode materials. Possible reasons for this anomalous capacity are suggested. Indications are that electrodes in which M = Mn, Ni and Co do not cycle with the same stability at 50 °C as those without cobalt.     

Measurement and correlation of (vapor + liquid) equilibria for the {2-propoxyethanol (C3E1) + n-hexane} and the {2-propoxyethanol (C3E1) + n-heptane} systems

2-Propoxyethanol (C₃E₁) is one of nonionic surfactants which are a particularly interesting class of substances due to both inter-molecular and intra-molecular association. Binary (vapor + liquid) equilibrium data were measured for {2-propoxyethanol (C₃E₁) + n-hexane} and {2-propoxyethanol (C₃E₁) + n-heptane} systems at temperatures ranging from (303.15 to 323.15) K. A static apparatus was used in this study. The experimental data were correlated well with a lattice fluid equation of state that combines the multi-fluid non-random lattice fluid model with Veytsman statistics for (intra + inter)-molecular association.     

Measurements of HmE and VmE for (propane + sulphurhexafluoride) in the near critical region

A flow mixing calorimeter followed by a vibrating-tube densimeter has been used to measure excess molar enthalpies H_m^E and excess molar volumesV_m^E of {xC₃H₈ +  (1  − x)SF₆}. Measurements over a range of mole fractionsx have been made at the pressure p =  4.30 MPa at eight temperatures in the rangeT =  314.56 K to 373.91 K, in the liquid region at p =  3.75 MPa andT =  314.56 K, in the two phase region at p =  3.91 MPa andT =  328.18 K, and in the supercritical region at p =  5.0 MPa andT =  373.95 K. The measurements are compared with results from the Patel–Teja equation of state which reproduces the main features of the excess function curves as well as it does for similar measurements on{xCO₂ +  (1  − x)C₂H₆} ,{xCO₂ +  (1  − x)C₂H₄} and{xCO₂ +  (1  − x)SF₆} reported previously.     

Adsorption of alkali metals on Ge(0 0 1)(2 × 1) surface

Ab initio total energy calculations have been performed for Na, K and Rb adsorption on Ge(0 0 1)(2 × 1) surface. It was found that the adsorption site of AM is AM size dependent. Structural analysis showed that the Ge–Ge dimer bond becomes stronger with increasing AM size. As the coverage increases from 0.5 to 1 ML it turns out that no depolarization effect occurs upon Na adsorption, while this effect becomes more important with increasing AM size. We also found that for all adsorption systems investigated the germanium surface is metallic and semiconducting for the coverage of 0.5 and 1 ML, respectively.     

A spectroscopic proof of a surface equilibrium between on top and bridge bonded CO at Pt(1 1 0) in acid solution

According to most of works in the literature, adsorbed carbon monoxide at Pt(1 1 0) electrodes in acid media presents only linear bonded (CO_L) so-called, atop geometry. In the present work, the formation of bridge bonded carbon monoxide (CO_B) is shown via in situ infrared FT spectra, measured on a Pt(1 1 0) electrode covered with 25% CO, in HClO₄ solutions. For the first time, the inter conversion between atop and bridge bonded CO at potentials in the hydrogen adsorption region is reported in acid solution. Band intensity and band center frequency indicate dipole–dipole coupling effects in spite of the low CO total coverage.     

Volumetric and viscometric behaviour of binary systems: (1-hexanol + hydrocarbons)

Densities and viscosities of binary liquid mixtures of (1-hexanol  + n -hexane, or cyclohexane, or benzene) have been measured at a number of mole fractions at T =  (303, 313, and 323) K. The excess molar volume V_m^Eand apparent molar volume V_φhave been calculated from the density data. TheV_m^E anddV_m^E / dT for the system, (1-hexanol  + n -hexane) have been found negative, while those for the systems, (1-hexanol  +  cyclohexane) and (1-hexanol  +  benzene), were found to be positive. Excess viscosities η^Ecalculated from viscosity data, have been found to be negative over the whole composition range at the temperatures studied for all the three systems. Volumetric and viscometric behaviours indicate that dispersion is the major force of interaction between the components in (1-hexanol  +  cyclohexane, or benzene), while inclusion of hydrocarbon chains into the interstices of polymolecular ring structures of alcohol formed by hydrogen bonding has been assumed to play a significant role apart from dispersion in the system (1-hexanol  + n -hexane). Thermodynamic parameters of activation for viscous flow have been calculated from the viscosity data at different temperatures and a possible explanation suggested.     

O2 surface concentration change and its implication on oxygen reduction mechanism and kinetics at platinum in acidic media

O₂ concentration near Pt surface during oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 0.1 M HClO₄ has been monitored by rotating ring-disk electrodes system. At 0.8 V < E < 1.0 V (vs. RHE), O₂ concentration near Pt surface increases with potential accompanying with the decrease of ORR current at the disk electrode; O₂ concentration in the negative-going scan is larger than that at the same potential in the positive-going scan, while ORR current shows the opposite trend at ω > 400 rpm. At E > 0.8 V accumulation of O_ad|OH_ad at Pt disk electrode with ORR time is evident, revealing that O_ad|OH_ad formation rate is faster than that for the removal of OH_ad to H₂O under such conditions. At relatively lower rotation speed and faster scan rate, the cathodic current during ORR in the negative-going scan can be larger than that in the positive-going scan with a current peak at ca. 0.8 V, which is attributed to the superimposition of ORR current increase due to change of O₂ concentration near the surface and the additional reduction of O_ad|OH_ad formed from decomposed O₂ at higher potentials.     

Solubility of CO2 in the solvent system (water + monoethanolamine + triethanolamine)

This report presents a new set of values for the solubility of carbon dioxide in the solvent system {water (1) + monoethanolamine (2) + triethanolamine (3)} at T = (313.2, 333.2, 353.2, and 373.2) K and CO₂ partial pressures ranging (1.0 to 120) kPa. The results are specific to solvent systems with the following compositions: (i) ω₂ = 0.24, ω₃ = 0.06, (ii) ω₂ = 0.18, ω₃ = 0.12, (iii) ω₂ = 0.12, ω₃ = 0.18, (iv) ω₂ = 0.06, ω₃ = 0.24, and (v) ω₂ = 0, ω₃ = 0.30, where ω refers to the mass fraction of the component. The results fit the Deshmukh and Mather model well.     

(Vapour + liquid) equilibria and excess molar enthalpies for mixtures with strong complex formation. Trichloromethane or 1-bromo-1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (halothane) with tetrahydropyran or piperidine

Isothermal (vapour  +  liquid) equilibria were measured for (trichloromethane  +  tetrahydropyran or piperidine) at T =  333.15 K and {1-bromo-1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (halothane)  +  tetrahydropyran or piperidine} atT =  323.15 K with a circulation still. The results were verified by effective statistical procedures and used to calculate activity coefficients and excess molar Gibbs free energiesG_m^E . Excess molar enthalpiesH_m^E for these mixtures were determined at T =  298.15 K by means of an isothermal CSC microcalorimeter equipped with recently reconstructed flow mixing cells. Reliable performance of the calorimetric setup was proved by the good agreement of H_m^Efor (hexane  +  cyclohexane), (2-propanone  +  water), and (methanol  +  water), with the best literature results. The trichloromethane- or halothane-containing mixtures exhibit strong negative deviations from Raoult’s law and are highly exothermic, thus indicating that complex formation via hydrogen bonding is a governing nonideality effect. A close similarity in the behaviour of corresponding mixtures with trichloromethane and halothane is observed, but for halothane-containing mixtures,G_m^E and H_m^Eare consistently more negative, confirming that halothane is a more powerful proton donor than chloroform.