The effect of platinum oxide films on reaction kinetics at platinum electrodes

It has been known for some time that the pre-treatment of platinum electrodes often effects subsequent electrochemical reactions. Part of the effect of pre-treatment is due to the fact that anodized or chemically oxidized platinum electrodes become coated to some degree with a film of platinum oxide. This work was concerned with quantitative measurement of kinetic parameters as a function of the extent of oxide film formation. Whenever possible, variations in reaction mechanisms are proposed.

Most of the experimental evidence has been taken from current-potential curves but the techniques of chronopotentiometry and microscopy were also used.

The reduction of vanadium^V chromium^VI, arsenic^V, iodate and oxygen were investigated as well as the oxidation of vanadium^IV, arsenic^III, oxalic acid, and formic acid. The presence of the platinum oxide film effected the reactions studied in a variety of ways but in every case some variation in the kinetic parameters of the reactions studied was recorded. For a number of cases, a modified oxygen bridge theory was found useful.