Nanoparticle-electrode impacts: The oxidation of copper nanoparticles has slow kinetics

B. Haddou, N.V. Rees, R.G. Compton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The electrochemical oxidation of copper nanoparticles in aqueous solution was studied via their electrolysis upon impacting a carbon electrode held at a suitable anodic potential. The oxidations were found to be quantitative such that complete oxidation of the particle took place allowing their sizing. Experiments were performed in 1.0 M HNO and in 1.0 M HNO -0.1 M KCl. In the former case a two electron oxidation to Cu was seen at a formal potential of +0.11 V (vs. SCE). In the latter case two separate one-electron oxidations at -0.01 V and +0.26 V were seen. In addition, theoretical results were derived for the analysis of impact-charge vs. potential data for reversible and irreversible charge transfer kinetics for nanoparticle oxidation. This enabled the inference that overpotential is required for the oxidations and Butler-Volmer transfer coefficients to be determined. The latter are compared with literature data seen for macroscopic copper.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)13612-13617
Number of pages6
JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics
Volume14
Issue number39
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Oct 2012

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Nanoparticle-electrode impacts: The oxidation of copper nanoparticles has slow kinetics'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this