Potential of zero total charge of palladium modified Pt(111) electrodes in perchloric acid solutions

Abstract

The electrochemical behaviour of palladium-modified Pt(111) electrodes in perchloric acid solutions has been studied by means of cyclic voltammetry and CO charge displacement. From the results of the charge displacement experiments, values of the potentials of zero total charge (pztc) have been determined and their dependence on the palladium coverage has been studied in solutions without specifically adsorbing anions. These pztc values are compared to those obtained in sulfuric acid solutions. Whilst in the presence of bisulfate anions the pztc decreases significantly as a consequence of the deposited palladium, in the case of perchloric acid solutions the pztc remains constant within experimental error. This constancy has been explained by means of a compensation between the displacement of the potential of zero free charge toward less positive potentials and the increase of hydrogen coverage on the palladium-covered electrode surfaces. The influence of the concentration of specifically adsorbed (bi)sulfate anions at constant pH has been pointed out. The oxidation of the CO adlayer resulting from the charge displacement has also been studied. Despite the apparently easier OH adsorption, the oxidation of adsorbed CO takes place at higher potentials on the modified surfaces. CO coverage values, calculated from knowledge of the pztc value and the CO stripping charge, diminish as the amount of palladium increases.