Surface Studies On Diamond Electrodes In Non Aqueous Electrolytes

Download or read book Surface Studies on Diamond Electrodes in Non-Aqueous Electrolytes written by Jessica L. Schreiber and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 82 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The surface composition of boron-doped diamond electrode sensors is of utmost importance to their detection capabilities and electrochemical properties. Surface modification occurs electrochemically in aqueous solutions where the reactions at the potential window limits are hypothesized to involve interactions with the diamond surface. These mechanisms do not apply to the potential window in non-aqueous environments, which is not limited by the breakdown of water. Addition of oxygen species to the diamond surface was monitored through ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy after treatment in air-tight, non-aqueous environments. Cathodic polarization behavior of diamond supports that outer sphere electron-transfer reactions involving the supporting electrolyte do not experience surface interaction. Surface oxygen increases are likely attributed to adsorbed or bound hydroxyl groups from water impurities. Cathodic polarization may induce hydrogen evolution, due to trace amounts of water, and create free radical surface sites that can bind to oxygen species.