Towards Quantitative Interpretation of Normal Incidence Differential Reflectance (NIDR) Measurements for Electrochemical Dynamics Experiments

Abstract

Normal incidence differential reflectance, or NIDR, is an in-situ technique suitable for high time resolution monitoring of the interfacial structure and composition of electrode-solution interfaces. Recent efforts have been focused in our laboratory on formulating quantitative models for interpreting the potential-, and coverage-dependence of NIDR signals for use in monitoring interfacial dynamics at Au electrodes in various electrolytes. A simple model capturing the aforementioned dependences will be presented. Within the framework of this model, different limiting behaviors are anticipated depending on the optical properties of the adsorbate and the nature of its interactions with the Au surface. In addition, some exemplary data sets on Au electrodes will be discussed, namely cyclic voltammetry and potential steps on single crystals and polycrystalline Au surfaces in aqueous perchloric acid solutions. The NIDR responses to these potential perturbations can be rationalized on the basis of the optical properties of perchlorate and its interaction with the surface. All NIDR data are consistent with adsorbed perchlorate exhibiting optical properties that deviate minimally from that of water, as well as perchlorate physisorbing on Au rather than chemisorbing. In essence, the NIDR signal is proportional to the charge stored on the Au surface, with no change in said proportionality with perchlorate adsorption, rendering this adsorbate essentially ‘invisible’ to NIDR. This has obvious implications when using perchlorate salts as a supporting electrolyte in NIDR experiments, as perchlorate will produce no NIDR response and therefore will not convolute with the NIDR response arising from other adsorbates. To demonstrate this in practice, NIDR experiments for Se covered Au electrodes in aqueous perchloric acid electrolytes will be discussed and the clear dependence of the NIDR response on Se coverage will be demonstrated.