An experimental and theoretical study of interactions between unlike surface anions and increases in the rate of electrochemical reactions.
Experimental and theoretical results are presented on increases in the rate of electrochemical reactions, which are achieved by replacing a small fraction of the original anions in solution with more inhibiting ones. The rate of the electrochemical oxidation of formic acid was substantially increased by replacing a small amount of the supporting electrolyte, perchloric acid, with either sulfuric acid or tetrafluoroboric acid. The largest increases were achieved by substituting mixtures of the last two acids. A theoretical analysis of an electrochemical reaction coupled to anion adsorption is presented. The analysis reveals that, if repulsive forces of appropriate strength form between unlike surface anions, replacing a fraction of the original anions in solution with one or two kinds of more inhibiting anions can increase the rate of reaction.
Kumara Swamy
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BE
The Department of Chemistry, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275, USA.
Schell
Mark
M