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Electrodeposition

Electrodeposition

Electrodeposition is a technique used to separate an analyte from interferents by electrochemical processes. Here, the analyte is a metal ion that can be deposited on an electrode immersed in the sample solution. The electrochemical setup consists of an anode and a cathode. When an electric current is applied to the setup, oxidation occurs at the anode. At the cathode, which consists of a large metal surface, metal ions undergo reduction and deposit onto the surface.
Electrodeposition can...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Probing and Mapping Electrode Surfaces in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

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Published on: September 20, 2012

Surface functionalization of electro-deposited nickel.

James E Sadler¹, Doug S Szumski, Agnieska Kierzkowska

¹HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TL.

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP

|September 17, 2011

Summary

Researchers developed a new electrochemical method to functionalize nickel surfaces with octanethiol. This process creates a protective monolayer that enhances the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) while preventing nickel oxidation.

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Last Updated: May 29, 2026

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Area of Science:

Electrochemistry
Surface Science
Materials Science

Background:

Nickel (Ni) surfaces are prone to oxidation, hindering their catalytic activity.
Functionalizing metal surfaces can improve their performance in electrochemical reactions.
Controlling molecular film formation is key to tailoring surface properties.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate a novel in situ electrochemical method for functionalizing oxide-free nickel surfaces using octanethiol.
To investigate the effect of octanethiol molecular films on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and surface oxidation.
To compare the protective properties of electrochemically formed films versus solution-immersed films.

Main Methods:

In situ electrochemical deposition of octanethiol onto an oxide-free Ni surface.
Controlled removal of excess octanethiol via ethanol rinsing to form a monolayer.
Spectroscopic analysis including Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to characterize the film.
Electrochemical measurements to evaluate the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity and oxidation protection.

Main Results:

Initial multilayer octanethiol films blocked both HER and Ni re-oxidation.
A subsequent monolayer, formed after ethanol rinsing, protected against oxidation and unexpectedly enhanced HER.
HER enhancement increased with longer film formation times.
Spectroscopic data confirmed the presence of the octanethiol monolayer and its barrier properties.
Electrochemical films offered superior oxidation protection compared to solution-formed films.

Conclusions:

An in situ electrochemical method effectively functionalizes Ni surfaces with octanethiol monolayers.
Octanethiol monolayers provide excellent protection against Ni oxidation.
These monolayers unexpectedly enhance the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity.
Electrochemical film formation is a superior method for creating protective and catalytically active Ni surfaces.