Oscillatory kinetics in the electrochemical oxidation of formations during the deposition of rhodium electrode Part II. Mechanistic considerations

Abstract

The electrochemical oxidation of formate ions in neutral medium on in situ deposited rhodium electrodes exhibit very large current oscillations either at fixed potentials or at potentials varying linearly with time (cyclic voltammograms). The experimental conditions necessary to obtain this oscillatory behaviour have been systematically investigated. The chemical and electrochemical reactions involved in the overall oxidation reaction have been carefully scheduled and a reasonable explanation of the oscillatory kinetics has been suggested in the framework of an autocatalytic mechanism.