Formation and Reduction of Anodic Sulfide Films on Antimony Electrodes

Abstract

The growth and reduction of anodic films on antimony electrodes in alkaline sulfide solutions has been investigated using potentiodynamic, galvanostatic, and potentiostatic techniques. The sulfidation mechanism and the efficiency of charge storage in the sulfide film are dependent on the electrode potential and current density. The initial stages of film formation follow a high field growth process involving ionic transport through the sulfide film. The growth of thicker films is controlled by coupled electrochemical and chemical reactions involving mass transport and nucleation. Metal dissolution accompanies film formation under most growth conditions. The anodic and cathodic behavior of these films is consistent with their rectification or n‐type semiconductor properties.