The kinetics of the reduction processes of PbO film on Pb in H 2SO 4: Part 1. Potential step method

Abstract

The kinetics of the processes of reducing tetragonal PbO to Pb have been studied by the potential step technique. The results indicate that the reduction is mainly a two-dimensional growth process with different nucleation rates which depend greatly on the reduction overpotential. Two-dimensional instantaneous and progressive nucleation and growth processes are observed in the steps to −750 and −850 mV, respectively. The reduction rate of tetragonal PbO is probably limited by the transfer of ions passing through the anodic film.