A combined voltammetry and electrochemical quartz crystal microgravimetry study of the reduction of aqueous Se(IV) at gold

Abstract

The reduction of Se(IV) in 0.5 M Na 2SO 4 is complex and does not proceed via the Se(IV) → Se(0) → Se(II-) scheme considered by most previous authors. A combined use of voltammetry and electrochemical quartz crystal microgravimetry techniques shows that the direct 6e − Se(IV) → Se(II-) reduction pathway competes with the initial four-electron process. Coupling with a subsequent (fast) chemical reaction between Se(II-) and Se(IV) results in the further deposition of Se(0) at the electrode surface. The electrochemical behavior at more negative potentials reflects a complex interplay of the four-electron and six-electron reduction processes and the chemical reaction along with the effect of Se(II-) ions stripped from the initial selenium layer. Thus the delicate balance between these is influenced by two variables, namely the potential and the Se(II-) concentration in the electrolyte. Further data in support of our mechanistic scheme are furnished by measurements with a Au disk electrode oriented “face-down” in the cell as well as by hydrodynamic voltammetry experiments.