ChemInform Abstract: Photoelectrochemical Study of n-InP: Redox Processes Using Electroluminescence as Mechanistic Probe.

Abstract

Electroluminescence (EL) due to band-band transition was observed for n-InP single crystal electrodes in solutions containing current doubling reagents like peroxodisulfate and various redox electrolytes. The mechanism for the EL emission in relation to surface properties of n-InP crystals in these electrolytes is presented. The cathodic decomposition process of n-InP electrodes involved in various electrolytes especially in peroxodisulfate medium has been analyzed from the EL emission as a function of electrode potential under steady state as well as pulsed conditions. The intensity of the EL signal depends on the electron density at the interface which is controlled by the potential and on the chemical composition of the electrode surface. Moreover, a hydrogen evolution reaction reduces the EL efficiency at higher cathodic potentials. Though the potential has no effect on the shape of the EL spectra, a significant change in EL intesity was observed. In all the electrolytes used the InP electrodes seem t...