Potential and Current Distribution in Electrochemical Cells: Interpretation of the Half‐Cell Voltage Measurements as a Function of Reference‐Electrode Location

Abstract

The Ni(II) and higher valence states redox behavior of Ni and Ni/PTFE deposited electrodes fabricated by electroless plating are compared using cyclic voltammetry and potentiodynamic techniques, for their ability to evolve and oxidize ethanol in 1 mol dm⁻³ . In this study, a Ni/PTFE electrode formed in a 6 g dm⁻³ polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) containing plating bath demonstrates the highest activity. An examination of the surface morphology of this Ni/PTFE deposit demonstrates that the highest activity of this electrode is not caused by the enhanced surface area of the Ni/PTFE electrode. The presence of PTFE in a Ni electrode alters the formation pathway of γ‐phase Ni hydrous oxide. Gamma‐phase Ni hydrous oxide catalyzes evolution, while an intermediate species/structure between and is responsible for the oxidation of ethanol.