In situ Laser Activation of Electrochemical Kinetics at Carbon Electrodes.

摘要

The overall objective of the project is to identify the structural factors which control electrochemical reactivity at carbon electrode surfaces. The approach combines structural probes such as Raman Spectroscopy, XPS, and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) with measures of reactivity, including electron transfer rate constant and adsorption. Laser activation by short but intense laser pulses was used to modify electrode surfaces and enhance reactivity. Work to date has revealed two important conclusions. First, the electronic properties of carbon can differ substantially from that of metals, with major effects on both kinetics and absorption. Second, the importance of carbon structure to kinetics depends strongly on the redox system in question. These conclusions are described in the following progress report with the citations in brackets referring to the publication list which follows the text.