Cu(II)/Cu exchange reaction in nitrate electrolyte

Abstract

The results of an investigation of the Cu(II)/Cu exchange in aqueous nitrate electrolytes are presented. Data from galvanostatic pulse and faradaic impedance experiments are reported for polycrystalline copper electrodes and electrolytes containing [Cu²⁺] in the range 0.04–0.004 mol l.^–1, at temperatures from 0 to 50°C. The results are consistent with kinetic control due to diffusion in solution, charge transfer and the processes of inclusion and release of atoms from the ordered lattice of the electrode. The latter steps appear to be rate controlling at temperatures below ∼40°C; at higher temperatures, lattice building (and dissolution) effects are less dominant.