Electrochemical reduction of the lanthanide ions: Part I. First reduction step of ytterbium(III) in acidic 1 M NaClO4 solution

The reduction of Yb(III) to Yb(II) in 1 M NaClO₄ in the pH range 1.9–6.6 was studied by d c. polarography, cyclic voltammetry and electrode impedance measurements as a function of frequency and electrode potential. It results that the d.c. reversible reduction is followed by a homogeneous chemical reaction and is accompanied, by an irreversible process which is attributed to a lowering of the overpotential of the reduction of the hydrogen ions. Values of the rate constant and transfer coefficient pertaining to the charge transfer step were deter mined.