Electrochemical Reduction Process of BiIII, TeIV and SbIII with Complexing Agent in Hydrochloric Acid Bath

Abstract

Results are presented on addition of novel complexing agents citric acid monohydrate (C6H8O7·H2O) and potassium citrate monohydrate (K3C6H5O7·H2O) in hydrochloric acid aqueous solution. The electrochemical reduction process of BiIII, TeIV and SbIII single ions with complexing agent citric acid monohydrate (C6H8O7·H2O) and potassium citrate monohydrate (K3C6H5O7·H2O) in hydrochloric acid bath was investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements separately. The results indicate that the presence of citric acid monohydrate (C6H8O7·H2O) and potassium citrate monohydrate (K3C6H5O7·H2O) not only make the three ions stable coexistence in the solution but also make the deposition potential of the three ions closer to each other. The results were discussed facing co-deposition of Bi–Sb–Te three elements in hydrochloric acid bath to prepare p-type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 thermoelectric materials.