Potentiostatic investigation of the vitreous carbon / RbCu4Cl3I2 interface

The electrochemical processes occurring at vitreous carbon electrodes in contact with the solid electrolyte RbCu₄Cl₃I₂ has been investigated. The reaction $$Cu^ + - e leftrightarrow Cu^{2 + } $$ in the range of potentials ?0.05...+ 0.57 V on the electrode takes place. The exchange current density of this reaction is about 25·10^?2 A·m^?2. The rate of the electrode processes is controlled by the slown diffusion of Cu²⁺ ions near the electrode. The diffusion coefficient of Cu²⁺ ions in the electrolyte is about 1.5·10^?12 m²·s^?1. At potentials higher than 0.57 V on the electrode surface, a divalent copper phase is deposited. The rate of this process is controlled by the instantaneous nucleation and the two-dimensional growth of the phase. At potentials lower than ?0.05 V, the reaction $$Cu^ + - e to Cu^0 $$ begins at the electrode and metallic copper is deposited. The rate of this reaction is controlled by the instantaneous nucleation and the three-dimensional growth of the deposit. Perpendicular to the electrode surfaces, the growth rate of the deposition has the order of magnitude of 10^?9 m·s^?1 and the quantity of nuclei is not less than 10¹² m^?2.