Ultrahigh vacuum electrochemical systems, applications

The development of infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy to study gas-phase/solid interface started as a necessary step to avoid the practical limitations imposed by the use of oxide-supported metals [20]. This improvement opened the possibility of studying adsorbed species on well-defined metal surfaces, from which a considerable knowledge of the vibrational properties at the gas-phase/metal interface has been gained [21]. This information from ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) systems provides the basis for the application of the infrared technique to studying the (more complex) electrochemical interface. 

The explanation of the acronyms is provided above (see p. xi). Only methods applicable under ex situ conditions are emphasized in the figure (italics). As already indicated, a sample transfer from the electrochemical cell into a ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) analysis system accompanied by drying of the sample and exposure to the atmosphere is necessary and any conceivable influence of this step may result in artifacts. This is most impressively demonstrated in studies of corrosion layers on iron electrodes. Ex situ methods have repeatedly yielded erroneous results for example, because of dehydration of the corrosion products [14],... 

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