Welcome to the new version of CaltechAUTHORS. Login is currently restricted to library staff. If you notice any issues, please email coda@library.caltech.edu
Published July 2018 | public
Journal Article

Surface Reconstruction of Polycrystalline Cu Electrodes in Aqueous KHCO_3 Electrolyte at Potentials in the Early Stages of CO_2 Reduction

Abstract

The reconstruction of the Cu(pc) polycrystalline surface at potentials that correspond to the early stages of CO_2 reduction in 0.1 M KHCO_3 was investigated by electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (ECSTM) at −0.90 V (SHE). A kinetically hindered surface reconstruction of the topmost layers of Cu(pc) into the (100) face was observed, reminiscent of the transformation previously reported at the same electrode potential in 0.1 M KOH. Evidently, the same reconstructed surface, Cu(pc)-[Cu(100)], can be generated in either 0.1 M KHCO_3 (pH 8) or 0.1 M KOH (pH 13). In addition, only minimal structural disruption was observed when the reconstructed surface was transferred from KHCO_3 to KOH electrolyte, and vice versa, provided the solution exchange was executed potentiostatically at −0.90 V. The structural convergence toward the same (100) facet regardless of pH or supporting electrolyte strongly suggests that the Cu(pc) → Cu(pc)-[Cu(100)] surface reorganization is a general phenomenon driven primarily by the rather negative potential applied on the electrode.

Additional Information

© 2018 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. First Online: 06 April 2018. This material is based upon the work performed by the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis, a DOE Energy Innovation Hub, supported through the Office of Science of the US Department of Energy under Award No. DE-SC0004993.

Additional details

Created:
August 21, 2023
Modified:
October 18, 2023