Potentiodynamic analysis of surface oxides on carbon blacks

Abstract

The potentiodynamic sweep technique was applied to detect surface oxides on carbon black (Vulcan XC-72) which was subjected to heat treatment, electrochemical and chemical oxidation and gas phase oxidation. The quinone-hydroquinone redox couple was observed in the potential range 50–1280 mV (vs n.h.e.). Analysis of the current-voltage curves yielded surface concentrations of 10 −10–10 −11 moles/cm 2 in agreement with other techniques. The various oxidation procedures resulted in an increase in surface oxide whereas heat treatment caused a decrease.