Thermodynamic studies of anion adsorption at the Pt(111) electrode surface from glycolic acid solutions

Abstract

Kinetic glycolic acid (GA) oxidation and thermodynamic glycolate adsorption have been studied on Pt single crystal electrodes. The voltammetric profiles of Pt(111), Pt(100), and Pt(110) in 0.1 M GA are shown, and the effect of the inclusion of steps on the Pt(111) surface has been studied by cyclic voltammetry. For Pt(111) electrode, different concentrations and sweep rates have been applied, revealing that both adsorption and oxidation processes take place. By establishing the appropriate conditions, a complete thermodynamic analysis has been performed by using the electrode potential and the charge as independent variables. Total charge density curves, surface pressure at total charge density and at constant electrode potential were determined to calculate the Gibbs excess and the charge number at constant electrode potential for glycolate adsorption on Pt(111). Maximum glycolate coverage on the surface reaches a value of ∼6.0 × 1014 ions/cm2. Spectroscopic results show the formation of CO2 during the oxidation of glycolic acid, indicating that the cleavage of the C–C bond occurs during the oxidation process.