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Updated: May 21, 2026

Magnetometric Characterization of Intermediates in the Solid-State Electrochemistry of Redox-Active Metal-Organic Frameworks
Published on: June 9, 2023
Molybdenum, molybdenum oxides, and their electrochemistry
Viswanathan S Saji1, Chi-Woo Lee
1Department of Advanced Materials Chemistry, Korea University, Jochiwon, Sejong 339-700, Korea. vssaji@korea.ac.kr
This review clarifies the electrochemistry of molybdenum and its oxides, crucial for applications like solar cells. It details their behavior in aqueous media and surface oxide properties for better material design.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Molybdenum and its oxides have critical applications in various fields, including steels, electrocatalysis, batteries, sensors, and solar cells.
- A key application is in electrodeposited Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS)-based solar cells, utilizing a molybdenum/glass electrode as the back contact.
- Despite their importance, the fundamental electrochemistry of molybdenum and its oxides remains under-reviewed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate and critically assess the scattered information on the electrochemical behaviors of molybdenum and its oxides.
- To explain the potential and pH-dependent active, passive, and transpassive behaviors of molybdenum in aqueous environments.
- To discuss the observed surface oxide species, their reversible redox transitions, pseudocapacitance, and catalytic reduction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and assessment of scattered information.
- Experimental investigation of a typical molybdenum glass back contact used in CIGS-based solar cells.
- Analysis of potential and pH-dependent electrochemical behaviors.
Main Results:
- Detailed explanation of molybdenum's electrochemical behavior (active, passive, transpassive) in aqueous media based on potential and pH.
- Identification and discussion of major surface oxide species and their reversible redox transitions.
- Experimental data presented on molybdenum glass back contacts, highlighting pseudocapacitance and catalytic reduction.
Conclusions:
- The review provides a comprehensive understanding of molybdenum and molybdenum oxide electrochemistry.
- This knowledge is vital for optimizing materials in applications such as CIGS solar cells.
- Further research and attention to the fundamental electrochemistry can lead to improved material performance and new applications.
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