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Electrochemical intermediate species and reaction pathway in H2 oxidation on solid electrolytes
Farid El Gabaly1, Anthony H McDaniel, Michael Grass
1Sandia National Laboratories, CA 94550, USA. felgaba@sandia.gov
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|July 12, 2012
Summary
Hydroxyl on yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolytes is key to hydrogen electro-oxidation. This hydroxyl intermediate participates in the rate-determining step, challenging previous assumptions about charge transfer limitations.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Hydrogen electro-oxidation is crucial for fuel cells.
- Understanding reaction intermediates is vital for optimizing catalyst performance.
- Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is a common electrolyte material.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify reaction intermediates during hydrogen electro-oxidation on YSZ with Pt electrodes.
- To elucidate the rate-determining step of the reaction.
- To propose a detailed reaction pathway.
Main Methods:
- Spatially resolved photoelectron spectroscopy.
- Operando measurements.
- Platinum (Pt) electrodes on yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolytes.
Main Results:
- Hydroxyl on the zirconia electrolyte was identified as a reaction intermediate.
- This hydroxyl intermediate is involved in the rate-determining step.
- The rate-determining step does not involve charge transfer, contrary to prior beliefs.
Conclusions:
- A detailed reaction pathway for hydrogen electro-oxidation on YSZ was proposed.
- The findings offer direct insights into accelerating reaction kinetics.
- The role of hydroxyl intermediates in the reaction mechanism was clarified.
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