In situ analysis of electrochemical reactions at a lead surface in sulfuric acid solution

摘要

An Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) was used to analyze the surface of a lead plate when the reaction corresponding to what occurs at the negative electrode of a lead acid battery, Pb+SO~2→←PbSO_4+2e, took place. At the beginning, when the lead plate, on the surfae of which lead oxide already existed, was in contact with sulfuric acid, lead sulfate crystals were formed and gradually grew with time without applying any potential.