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Semiconductor Physics, Quantum Electronics & Optoelectronics. 2007. V. 10, N 2. P. 040-045.
Influence of some physico-chemical factors on properties
of electrodes that decompose water catalytically
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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