Potential Dependence of the Elementary Steps in the Kinetics of Electrode Reactions Involving Amalgam Formation

摘要

The effect of the double layer on the kinetics of the possible elementary steps in amalgam formation reactions are described in detail. The steps considered are electron transfer, ion transfer, adsorption, and metal incorporation. It is shown that the rate equations for all elementary steps have the same form, but that they differ considerably with respect to their kinetic parameters, namely, the standard rate constant and apparent transfer coefficient. As the location of the elementary step moves closer to the interface, its potential dependence increases and larger values of the apparent transfer coefficient are observed. Double layer effects are also considered for a more complex mechanism in which more than one step is rate determining.