Scanning electrochemical microscopy studies on the kinetics of electrode processes at modified surfaces

Author(s)

Alex da Silva Lima

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Conjunto das Químicas (IQ e FCF) (CQ/DBDCQ)
• Defense date: 2011-05-18

Examining board members

Mauro Bertotti; Ivano Gebhardt Rolf Gutz; Hugo Barbosa Suffredini

• Advisor: Mauro Bertotti

Abstract

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was employed in order to obtain information on the topography, reactivity, and possible intermediates generated at electrodic surfaces. Standard chemical systems were firstly investigated as an attempt to understand the principles of the technique. Then, SECM was used to study the reactivity of copper substrates upon activation by an electrochemical protocol. The surface activation was achieved by immersing a copper surface in a solution of 0.1 mol L-1 Na2SO4 (pH = 2) for further anodic oxidation of copper (500 mV vs. Ag / AgCl(sat. KCl)) and subsequent reduction of Cu (II) (-250 mV vs. Ag / AgCl(sat. KCl)). An enhanced sensitivity was noticed for the determination of nitrate and nitrite at the modified copper surface and the approach curves were correlated with the activation time. Information on the generation of Cu (I), which was stabilized in the presence of chloride ions during the activation process, was also obtained, as well as the influence of this intermediate on the determination of nitrate and nitrite. Finally, SECM was used in the study of a copper biomimetic system which is able to catalyze the reduction of oxygen. Information on the reactivity of the surface, the homogeneity of the coated substrate and the reaction mechanism were obtained by analyzing the SECM results. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/04406-6 - STUDY ON KINETICS OF ELECTRODE PROCESSES AT MODIFIED SURFACES EMPLOYING SCANNING ELECTROCHEMICAL MICROSCOPY
• Grantee: Alex da Silva Lima
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master