| Abstract: | The electrochemical characteristics of ruthenium oxides, formed on Ru-plated Ti electrodes in 0.5 M H2SO4 by potential cycling with different CV upper potential limits (E
SU), were systematically compared. The repeated potential cycling between 0.2 and 0.75 V activated the formation/reduction of
surface Ru oxides with hysteretic behavior. This application of repeated CVs also modified the ability of Ru deposits for
hydrogen adsorption/desorption. An irreducible Ru oxide accumulated on the electrode at potentials more positive than ca.
0.95 V, whose capacitive characteristics are applicable for electrochemical supercapacitors. This irreducible oxide was composed
of an aggregate consisting of Ru in various oxidation states, bridged oxygen, OH and water in a 3D-like structure with a relatively
ordered and compact nature, from the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic and voltammetric results. The surface reconstruction
of the Ru deposits induced by the repeated potential cycling with E
SU≥0.75 V was clearly observed from the SEM photographs. From the X-ray diffraction patterns, all the anodically formed Ru oxides
showed an amorphous nature. |
