Insights into the reaction pathways of platinum dissolution and oxidation during electrochemical processes

Abstract

Recent studies have shown the limits of passivity of the platinum electrode. Since it is an important benchmarked electrode for various catalysis reactions and a vital counter electrode, it is essential to understand the mechanism of leaching of the platinum electrode. This report studies the electrochemically driven oxidation and leaching of platinum using a combined theoretical and experimental framework. With insights from electrochemistry, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemically driven reactive MD, different regimes of chemisorption, surface oxidation, and 3D oxide formation are uncovered that directly affect leaching of individual Pt2+(H2O)4 molecules.

Keywords

• Platinum
• Oxidation
• Leaching
• ReaxFF
• SERS