Simple electrochemical method for deposition and voltammetric inspection of silver particles at the liquid-liquid interface of a thin-film electrode

A novel experimental methodology for depositing and voltammetric study of Ag nanoparticles at the water-nitrobenzene (W-NB) interface is proposed by means of thin-film electrodes. The electrode assembly consists of a graphite electrode modified with a thin NB film containing decamethylferrocene (DMFC) as a redox probe. In contact with an aqueous electrolyte containing Ag(+) ions, a heterogeneous electron-transfer reaction between DMFC((NB)) and Ag(+)((W)) takes place to form DMFC(+)((NB)) and Ag deposit at the W-NB interface. Based on this interfacial reaction, two different deposition strategies have been applied. In the uncontrolled potential deposition protocol, the electrode is immersed into an AgNO(3) aqueous solution for a certain period under open circuit conditions. Following the deposition step, the Ag-modified thin-film electrode is transferred into an aqueous electrolyte free of Ag(+) ions and voltammetrically inspected. In the second protocol the deposition was carried out under controlled potential conditions, i.e., in an aqueous electrolyte solution containing Ag(+) ions by permanent cycling of the electrode potential. In this procedure, DMFC((NB)) is electrochemically regenerated at the electrode surface, hence enabling continuation and voltammetric control of the Ag deposition. Hence, the overall electrochemical process can be regarded as an electrochemical reduction of Ag(+)((W)) at the W-NB interface, where the redox couple DMFC(+)/DMFC acts as a mediator for shuttling electrons from the electrode to the W-NB interface. Ag-particles deposited at the W-NB interface affect the ion transfer across the interface, which provides the basis for voltammetric inspection of the metal deposit at the liquid-liquid interface with thin-film electrodes. Voltammetric properties of thin-film electrodes are particularly sensitive to the deposition procedure, reflecting differences in the properties of the Ag deposit. Moreover, this methodology is particularly suited to inspect catalytic activities of metal particles deposited at the liquid-liquid interface toward heterogeneous electron-transfer reactions occurring at the at the liquid-liquid interface.     

Adsorption of insoluble surfactants at the Au(111)/solution interface

The adsorption of surfactants, which form insoluble monolayers on an aqueous substrate, onto a single crystal gold electrode have been described. Adsorption of this class of surfactants have been characterized using a combination of electrochemistry and Langmuir-Blodgett techniques. We have developed a technique to simultaneously measure the film pressure at the gas-solution (GS) interface and the film pressure of the surfactants that spread to the metal-solution (MS) interface. We have shown that surfactants such as octadecanol and stearic acid, which interact weakly with the metal surface, adsorb at an uncharged MS interface (at the potential of zero charge) and progressively desorb when the electrode surface is charged negatively. The electrode potential (charge density at the metal surface) influences the transfer of the surfactant from the GS interface to the MS interface. The transfer ratio is 1:1 at an uncharged MS interface, and is progressively reduced to zero when the MS interface is charged. We have employed 12-(9-anthroloxy) stearic acid, a surfactant dye molecule, to study the mechanism of potential induced desorption and adsorption of the film of insoluble molecules. With the help of electroreflectance spectroscopy and light scattering measurements, we have shown that if desorbed, the surfactant molecules form micelles (flakes or vesicles) that are trapped under the electrode surface. The micelles spontaneously spread back onto the electrode surface when the charge density at the metal approaches zero. The repeatable desorption and readsorption involve micellisation of the film at negative potentials and spontaneous spreading of the micelles to reform the monolayer at potentials close to pzc.     

Dynamic diffuse double-layer model for the electrochemistry of nanometer-sized electrodes

A dynamic diffuse double-layer model is developed for describing the electrode/electrolyte interface bearing a redox reaction. It overcomes the dilemma of the traditional voltammetric theories based on the depletion layer and Frumkin's model for double-layer effects in predicating the voltammetric behavior of nanometer-sized electrodes. Starting from the Nernst-Planck equation, a dynamic interfacial concentration distribution is derived, which has a similar form to the Boltzmann distribution equation but contains the influence of current density. Incorporation of the dynamic concentration distribution into the Poisson and Butler-Volmer equations, respectively, produces a dynamic potential distribution equation containing the influence of current and a voltammetric equation containing the double-layer effects. Computation based on these two equations gives both the interfacial structure (potential and concentration profiles) and voltammetric behavior. The results show that the electrochemical interface at electrodes of nanometer scales is more like an electric-double-layer, whereas the interface at electrodes larger than 100 nm can be treated as a concentration depletion layer. The double-layer nature of the electrode/electrolyte interface of nanometer scale causes the voltammetric responses to vary with electrode size, reactant charge, the value of formal redox potential, and the dielectric properties of the compact double-layer. These voltammetric features are novel in comparison to the traditional voltammetric theory based on the transport of redox molecules in the depletion layer.     

Spectroscopic consideration of the surface potential built across phthalocyanine thin films on a metal electrode

The nonlinear optical properties of tert-butyl phthalocyanine copper Langmuir-Blodgett (CuttbPc LB) films and vacuum-evaporated phthalocyanine copper (CuPc) films deposited on a metal surface were investigated by second-harmonic generation (SHG) spectroscopy. At the organic/metal interface, a space charge field is formed due to the presence of excess charge injected from a metal electrode to the organic layer. Since the Pc molecule has D4h symmetry, an inversion center is present and the optical SH process is not allowed under the electric-dipole approximation. However, the space charge field at the interface directly influences the symmetric structure of the electrons in the Pc molecule. We investigated the contributions of the surface potential to the SHG using Pc LB and vacuum-evaporated films deposited on aluminum (Al) and gold (Au) metal electrodes, where a distinctive difference in the spectrum for the Pc films on the Al and Au surfaces was observed. The contribution of the surface potential was revealed based on the resonant conditions of the SH process, taking into account the electric-quadrupole transition and dc-field-induced electric-dipole transition.     

Modeling electrochemical interfaces from ab initio molecular dynamics: water adsorption on metal surfaces at potential of zero charge

The origin of the potential difference between the potential of zero charge of a metal/water interface and the work function of the metal is a recurring issue because it is related to how water interacts with metal surface in the absence of surface charge. Recently ab initio molecular dynamics method has been used to model electrochemical interfaces to study interfacial potential and the structure of interface water. Here, we will first introduce the computational standard hydrogen electrode method, which allows for ab initio determination of electrode potentials that can be directly compared with experiment. Then, we will review the recent progress from ab initio molecular dynamics simulation in understanding the interaction between water and metal and its impact on interfacial potential. Finally, we will give our perspective for future development of ab initio computational electrochemistry.     

Surface potential at the hematite-water interface

Construction of a metal oxide electrode enabling measurement of surface potential is described. The electrode was made using a hematite monocrystal, which avoids the problems arising from the possible porosity of the oxide layer. The potential of this electrode was measured as a function of pH. The hematite electrode provides reproducible results, especially in the acidic region. Surface potentials were calculated from electrode potentials using the electrokinetic isoelectric point. The slope of surface potential with respect to pH was found to be lower than the Nernstian, especially in the basic region. The effect was more pronounced at higher ionic strengths. It was shown how the measurement of surface potential can help to interpret the equilibrium data and evaluate the choice of a theoretical model describing the interfacial equilibrium at the metal oxide-water interface.     

Oxidizing valve metals: effect of electronic properties of the oxide films

Photocurrents emerging during the formation of anodic oxide films (AOF) on such valve metals as W, Ti, Zr, Nb, Ta are measured during an increase (direct run) and a decrease (reverse run of voltammetric curves) in the anodic potential. Capacitances of AOF formed at certain potentials are measured at potentials below the AOF formation potential. Effect of semiconductor properties on the AOF growth is considered through the formation of a Schottky barrier at the oxide/electrolyte interface. Calculated thicknesses of AOF and the depleted layer are compared. The donor-concentration drop in AOF with the distance from the metal/oxide interface is a condition for the growth of thick semiconductor oxide films. The measured potential dependence of the semiconductor-film capacitance is used to plot the donor concentration drop as a function of the distance from the Nb₂O₅/Nb interface in the oxide layer on a niobium electrode. Dedicated to the ninetieth anniversary of Ya.M. Kolotyrkin’s birth.     

PIM-1 as an artificial solid electrolyte interphase for stable lithium metal anode in high-performance batteries

Lithium metal anode is a promising electrode with high theoretical specific capacity and low electrode potential.However,its unstable interface and low Coulombic efficiency,resulting from the dendritic growth of lithium,limits its commercial application.PIM-1(PIM:polymer of intrinsic microporosity),which is a polymer with abundant micropores,exhibits high rigidity and flexibility with contorted spirocenters in the backbone,and is an ideal candidate for artificial solid electrolyte interphases(SEI).In this work,a PIM-1 membrane was synthesized and fabricated as a protective membrane on the surface of an electrode to facilitate the uniform flux of Li ions and act as a stable interface for the lithium plating/stripping process.Nodule-like lithium with rounded edges was observed under the PIM-1 membrane.The Li@PIM-1 electrode delivered a high average Coulombic efficiency(99.7%),excellent cyclability(80%capacity retention rate after 600 cycles at 1 C),and superior rate capability(125.3 m Ah g~(-1) at 10 C).Electrochemical impedance spectrum(EIS)showed that the PIM-1 membrane could lower the diffusion rate of Li~+ significantly and change the rate-determining step from charge transfer to Li~+diffusion.Thus,the PIM-1 membrane is proven to act as an artificial SEI to facilitate uniform and stable deposition of lithium,in favor of obtaining a compact and dense Li-plating pattern.This work extends the application of PIMs in the field of lithium batteries and provides ideas for the construction of artificial SEI.     

复合型扫描微pH电极及其在局部腐蚀中的应用

研制了一种新型的微米级复合型扫描pH探针.该探针具有体积小、响应速度快、稳定性好和制作方便等优点，能很好地满足微区pH快速测定的要求.应用复合型扫描微pH电极技术研究了Al/Cu合金在0.01 mol•L－1 NaCl溶液中开路状态下局部腐蚀发生的早期过程.     

Congo Red Immobilized on a Silica/Aniline Xerogel: Preparation and Application as an Amperometric Sensor for Ascorbic Acid

Congo red (CR) was immobilized on a silica/aniline xerogel through electrostatic interaction. The dye is strongly retained and is not easily leached from the xerogel matrix. The material containing the adsorbed dye was used to prepare a carbon paste electrode and the electrochemical properties of the hybrid material were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The modified electrode was used to study the electrochemical oxidation of ascorbic acid. The adsorbed dye mediates ascorbic acid oxidation at the solid electrode surface‐solution interface at an anodic potential of 0.18 V at pH 7, in a 0.5 mol L^?1 KCl solution. This novel modified carbon paste electrode shows good analytical performance for the determination of ascorbic acid in commercial Vitamin C tablets.     

An investigation of the image potential at the semiconductor/electrolyte interface employing nonlocal electrostatics

Using recent developments of solid state and surface physics, the image potential (IP) energy is calculated for a test charge situated in an electrolyte near the surface of a doped semiconductor electrode. The effect of the structure of the semiconductor and solvent on the electrostatics is addressed through the static dielectric function ϵ(q). Specifically discussed in light of the results are implications for ion adsorption to the electrode and reorganization energy. At lower ionic strengths (1:1 electrolytes at a maximum of 0.1 M were considered) the IP is found to be a rather sensitive function of the ϵ(q) of both the solvent and SC, and a wide variety of behavior is displayed. In opposition to simplistic classical treatments, image potentials corresponding to repulsion of the charge from the electrode are sometimes found even for highly doped semiconductors. At higher ionic strengths the image potential behavior is predominantly repulsive. The approach shows a host of concerns that have hitherto received little or no consideration for the semiconductor electrode/electrolyte interface. Treatments of the image potential energy for the metal electrode/electrolyte interface have appeared previously and comparisons to this interface are made.     

Auto-inhibition of hydrogen gas evolution on gold in aqueous acid solution

It was demonstrated recently that dramatic changes in the redox behaviour of gold/aqueous solution interfaces may be observed following either cathodic or thermal electrode pretreatment. Further work on the cathodic pretreatment of gold in acid solution revealed that as the activity of the gold surface was increased, its performance as a substrate for hydrogen gas evolution under constant potential conditions deteriorated. The change in activity of the gold atoms at the interface, which was attributed to a hydrogen embrittlement process (the occurrence of the latter was subsequently checked by surface microscopy), was confirmed, as in earlier work, by the appearance of a substantial anodic peak at ca. 0.5 V (RHE) in a post-activation positive sweep. Changes in the catalytic activity of a metal surface reflect the fact that the structure (or topography), thermodynamic activity and electronic properties of a surface are dependent not only on pretreatment but also, in the case of the hydrogen evolution reaction, vary with time during the course of reaction. As will be reported shortly, similar (and often more dramatic) time-dependent behaviour was observed for hydrogen gas evolution on other metal electrodes. Electronic Publication     

自组装金团簇电极库仑台阶现象和电化学阻抗谱研究

采用示差脉冲伏安法研究了自组装单层保护金纳米团簇(C8AuMPC)在常温下二氯甲烷溶液中的量子化电容充电效应. 研究结果表明, 该团簇在-0.8~0.8 V 电位范围内有4 对明显的量子化电容充电峰. 同时采用电化学阻抗谱对C8AuMPC修饰金电极体系的界面结构进行了表征, 研究结果表明, MPC自组装层存在两个界面, 即金电极-MPC层界面和MPC层-溶液界面; 这两个界面的界面电容在MPC的零电荷电位(ca.-0.2 V)附近均基本保持不变, 随着电位正移或负移到一定程度, 界面电容发生变化. 进一步利用双隧道结金属岛库仑阻塞效应理论讨论了已有报道中对MPC量子化电容充电的理论分析结果, 并证明电化学阻抗谱也是研究MPC量子化电容充电效应的有效方法. 另外, 用示差脉冲伏安法及循环伏安法研究了电活性物种二茂铁对C8AuMPC量子化电容充电的影响, 发现溶液中的电活性物种对MPC层-溶液界面的电子传递的贡献可以忽略, 表明该界面的电子传递主要发生在纳米粒子之间.     

Electrolysis with electrolyte dropping electrode: II. Basic properties of the system

In a theoretical discussion the conditions have been pointed out where an interface of two immiscible electrolyte solution behaves as an equilibrium system metal ion-metallic electrode, as an ideally polarized electrode and as an electrode under faradaic current flow. The basic equations for current-electrical potential difference across the interface have been deduced for the cases of ion as well as electron transfer.Experimentally, various base electrolyte systems were studied, the most advantageous among these are LiCl in water+tetrabutylammonium tetraphenylborate in nitrobenzene and MgCl₂ in water+tetrabutylammonium dicarbollyl cobaltate in nitrobenzene. S-shaped polarographic curves were observed with the tetramethylammonium ion. The limiting current is directly proportional to concentration. The limiting currents are somewhat higher than those predicted by the Ilkovi? equation which has been ascribed to the tangential movement of the interface.     

The equation of state for an interface during the adsorption of organic substances on an electrode

The state of the interface between a metal and a solution of an electrolyte containing a neutral surfactant was investigated using a method alternative to the traditional thermodynamic approach. The method was based on the concept that there was a stability limit of a surfactant on an electrode, and the corresponding state could be described in terms of the catastrophe theory. The surface pressure was approximated by the Whitney polynomial in powers of the de Donder parameter (completeness of adsorption) with the coefficients depending on the chemical potential and polarization of the interface. The equation of state and the equation for the stability limit were obtained from the condition of zero first and second derivatives. These equations correctly described the results of electrocapillary measurements in the spirit of the law of corresponding states. The correlation between surface pressure maxima and critical stability potentials predicted by the theory was substantiated by the electrocapillary measurements data provided that the inflexions of surface pressure curves calculated from the electrocapillary data were related to the limiting stability at which the competing forces are balanced during the adsorption of surfactants. A simple equation for surface pressure was suggested in the form of a function of the state of thermodynamic parameters and completeness of adsorption. This function described the state of a surfactant at the interface. Equilibrium equations were derived for the state of a surfactant and the spinodal.     

Evidence of water reorientation on model electrocatalytic surfaces from nanosecond-laser-pulsed experiments

The behavior of water at the interface formed between a quasi-perfect Pt(111) single-crystal electrode and an aqueous electrolyte solution is studied by means of the laser-induced temperature jump method. This method is based on the use of nanosecond laser pulses to suddenly increase the temperature at the interface. The measurement of the response of the interface toward the laser heating under coulostatic conditions provides evidence on the net orientation of water at the interface. Especially interesting is the study of the effect on the interfacial water caused by the selective deposition of foreign metal adatoms, because these bimetallic systems usually exhibit appealing electrocatalytic properties. The T-jump methodology shows that the surface composition strongly affects the interaction of water with the surface. The most representative parameter to characterize this interaction is the potential where water reorientation occurs; this potential shifts in different directions, depending on the relative values of the electronegativity of the adatom and the substrate. These results are discussed in the light of available information about the effect of adatom deposition on the work function and the surface potential of the modified surface. Finally, some implications on the enhancement of the electrocatalytic activity are briefly discussed.     

Effect of surface-active compounds on voltammetric stripping analysis at the mercury film electrode

The effects of various organic compounds on the differential-pulse anodic-stripping voltammetric response at the in-situ plated mercury film electrode are explored. These effects vary from metal to metal and from one organic compound to another. The most pronounced effects are observed in measurements of copper. The main effect of the organic compound is to depress the peak current rather than change the peak shape or potential. The differences between the organic interferences observed at the mercury film electrode and those reported at the hanging mercury drop electrode are explained by the different morphology and geometry of the two electrodes. The implications of these interferences for the reliability and feasibility of stripping measurements in natural waters are discussed. Gelatin, camphor, humic acid, starch, agar, sodium dodecyl sulphate and albumin were used as representative organic compounds, and cadmium, lead, and copper as test metal ions.     

Studies of a Model Mesh Electrode O2,Pt/O2- under Galvanostatic Polarization

The impedance of model platinum mesh electrode in contact with a doped zirconium-dioxide-based single-crystal electrolyte is studied by impedance spectroscopy under constant-current polarization. The electrode is distinguished for its readily determinable geometrical characteristics of the metal/electrolyte interface, in particular, the length of the triple-phase boundary and the electrode contact area. Three different orientations of the electrolyte face are studied. The impedance dispersion is discussed in terms of the electrode prehistory, orientation, and potential.     

Advanced Na metal anodes

Na metal anode, benefiting from its high theoretical capacity and lowest electrochemical potential, is one of the most favorable candidates for future Na-based batteries with high energy density. Dendrite growth, volume change and high reactivity are the formidable challenges in terms of good cycling performance and high Coulombic efficiency as well as an expected safety guarantee of Na metal anode for the practical application. Solid electrolyte interphase(SEI) layer as an indispensable component of a battery,its formation and stability play the critical role in the feasibility of Na metal anode. In this review, we first discuss the current consideration and challenges of Na metal anode, and then summarize several strategies to suppress dendrite growth and improve electrochemical performance, including interface engineering, electrolyte composition, electrode construction, and so on. Finally, the conclusion and future perspective of potential development on Na metal anode are proposed.     

Determining the second-harmonic signal in electrochemical systems

Processes of adsorption and desorption of the butanol-1, butanol-2, hexanol, pentanol, and isoamyl alcohol molecules on a mercury electrode are studied with use made of the method of a second-harmonic signal in the region of radiowave frequencies. Two potentials are simultaneously applied to the metal/solution interface, specifically, a constant potential and a weak variable potential. The magnitude of the constant potential is close to the corresponding potential of adsorption and the variable potential has an amplitude in the limits of 2 to 20 mV and a frequency varying from a few tens of hertzs to a few tens of kilohertzs. Despite the absence of charge transport during the adsorption between the alcohol molecules and the electrode, the quadratic dependence between a signal of electromagnetic radiation of the radiowave frequencies U and the amplitude of the variable potential E _v1 applied to the metal/solution interface is discovered for all peaks in the curves of the second-harmonic signal for various concentrations of alcohols, various frequencies, and various values of the amplitude of the variable potential. Investigations for systems containing chlorides of sodium, potassium, and cesium in addition to ethylene glycol are conducted. According to an analysis of obtained experimental data, the number of peaks increases with decreasing concentration of chlorides, whereas the size of the sodium, potassium, and cesium cations makes no impact on the magnitude of the emitted signal. At the same time, diminishing the concentration of the chlorides leads to a certain amplification of the signal.