X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies of oxide films on platinum and gold electrodes

Abstract

The oxide films produced by anodic oxidation of gold and platinum have been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The change in the amount of each species present, with electrode potential, has been investigated. It is demonstrated that X-ray reduction occurs for these systems but that it can be minimised by a suitable choice of experimental conditions. A study of the intensities of the photoelectron peaks demonstrates how the thickness of an oxide layer and the true surface area of the electrode may be determined.