Semiconductor Physics, Quantum Electronics & Optoelectronics. 2007. V. 10, N 2. P. 040-045.
https://doi.org/10.15407/spqeo10.02.040


Influence of some physico-chemical factors on properties of electrodes that decompose water catalytically
V.E. Primachenko, O.A. Serba, V.A. Chernobai, E.F. Venger

V. Lashkaryov Institute of Semiconductor Physics, NAS of Ukraine 41, prosect Nauky, 03028 Kyiv, Ukraine, e-mail: pve18@isp.kiev.ua

Abstract. We have investigated the current creation accompanied by the water decomposition H 2 O → OH + H caused by various catalytically active electrodes with different electrochemical potentials, both without external electric voltage on these electrodes and with the applied voltage V 0 = ±9.7 V. It is found that the current value and its time dependence are essentially influenced by such factors as thermal and natural (in ambient atmosphere) oxidation of electrodes (made of Al, Si, Yb, Ni, Ti, Cr 3 Si, and Ni 3 Si), changing their relief (texturing, polishing), and the electrolytic deposition of palladium as an impurity on the surface (Ti, Cr 3 Si). Changes in the current caused by the above factors are realized as a consequence of changes in both the electron work function inherent to these electrodes and their catalytical activity concerning the water decomposition both in the absence and the presence of the external voltage V 0 .

Keywords: catalytically active electrodes, oxidation, water decomposition.

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