Interaction of activated carbon electrodes with sulfuric acid solutions

Impedance and potentiodynamic studies have been carried out to investigate reversible processes on the surface of electrodes based on activated carbon (AC). Relationships have been found between the reversible capacity and true resistance, on the one hand, and the potential, on the other. Stoichiometric characteristics of AC charging in sulfuric acid have been obtained. A mechanism of the reversible surface process is suggested. It is concluded that Faraday pseudocapacity makes a considerable contribution to charging of AC electrolytes. The amount of gas liberated in the course of AC wetting in electrolyte has been measured. It is assumed that the amount of liberated gas depends on the amount of active oxygen involved in the current-forming reaction. Based on the data obtained, a redox surface reaction is substantiated in general form.