Surface electrochemistry overview

Carbon nanotubes are increasingly recognized as a promising tool for surface functionalization. M.J. Esplandiu presents a state-of-the-art overview of their applications in electrochemistry. As with SAM s of organic molecules the great potential of carbon nanotubes lies, among others, in biochemical applications and in molecular electronics. 

In the following, we will discuss a number of different adsorption systems that have been studied in particular using X-ray emission spectroscopy and valence band photoelectron spectroscopy coupled with DFT calculations. The systems are presented with a goal to obtain an overview of different interactions of adsorbates on surfaces. The main focus will be on bonding to transition metal surfaces, which is of relevance in many different applications in catalysis and electrochemistry. We have classified the interactions into five different groups with decreasing adsorption bond strength (1) radical chemisorption with a broken electron pair that is directly accessible for bond formation (2) interactions with unsaturated it electrons in diatomic molecules (3) interactions with unsaturated it electrons in hydrocarbons ... 

It is the aim of this chapter to explain the basic requirements for performing electrochemistry, such as equipment, electrodes, electrochemical cells and boundary conditions to be respected. The following chapter focuses on the basic theory of charge transfer at the electrode-electrolyte solution interface and at transport phenomena of the analyte towards the electrode surface. In Chapter3, a theoretical overview of the electrochemical methods applied in the work described in this book is given. 

Figure 2 gives an overview on the definition of and relation between quantities used in surface science and in electrochemistry such as work function or surface potential. In the following we distinguish between (i) cells to which we apply a current (I >0, the current direction being opposite to the short-circuit current direction, U = E+ LaIRa > E), named polarization cells (cells under load), (ii) cells from which we extract current (7<0, in short-circuit direction, U < E), named current-generating cells, and finally (iii) open-circuit cells (I-0, U-E). In all cases we... 

AU work on corrosion inhibition, indeed all work in the field of corrosion, is dependent on some sort of measurement or observation. In the early da weight loss, time to failure, or visual observation were the main tools. With the advent of electronic instrumentation, methods of measurement became more sophisticated. Electrochemistry and quantitative surface characterization became major tools. Unfortunately, emphasis was on the electro-" part while the -chemistry often was sorely neglected. Mercer published a first overview of the various investigative techniques in 1985 [5], which was updated in 1994 [6]. 

Underpotential deposition (UPD) of foreign metal adatoms on platinum single crystals in different acid electrolytes occupies a special position in interfacial electrochemistry. Of various systems examined the underpotential deposition of Cu on a Pt(lll) surface has been of particular interest since the interpretation of the nature of the Pt(lll)-Cu-Anion structure have been the subject of considerable controversy. Overviews with some different perspectives can be find in the References. [J-I3]. 

This chapter on the fundamentals of corrosion is a short introduction in those parts of thermodynamics and electrochemistry, which are required for an understanding of corrosion phenomena and the related mechanisms. To keep the chapter small enough, only a condensed overview could be given and it should be seen as a recapitulation of the basics. Other important topics for corrosion, especially methods for corrosion research, are not mentioned here. Modern corrosion research applies various in situ and ex situ methods, spectroscopic and surface analytical tools like XPS, AES, Raman and IR-spectroscopy scanning techniques like STM, AFM, SEM, and electron microprobe analysis impedance spectroscopy and potential scanning methods like SRET and SVET and theoretical calculations. The application of these methods will be mentioned in the different chapters. Literature describes these methods in detail, which is recommended to the interested reader [5,. ... 

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