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The structure and orientation of water molecules on Au(1 1 1-20 nm) film electrodes in contact with aqueous sulphuric acid solution was studied by surface enhanced infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) employing an attenuated total reflection (ATR) configuration (ATR-SEIRAS) with a vertical spectroelectrochemical cell. The spectrum of interfacial water is strongly dependent on electrode potential, ionic strength and pH. Coadsorption of hydronium ions with weakly hydrogen-bonded water molecules was found at E Epzc strong hydrogen-bonding among water molecules and to coadsorbed sulphate species exists. Based on pH-dependent electrochemical, spectroscopic and in situ STM investigations, a new model is suggested to represent the ordered ( 3 × 7 ) adlayer at maximum sulphate coverage θ=0.2: a Zundel or hydrated hydronium ion H5O2+, in which one proton is shared between two water molecules, bridges adjacent sulphate species via hydrogen-bonds along the main diagonal of the ( 3 × 7 ) unit cell. This alternating arrangement gives rise to a long-range ordered, 2D network of sulphate and water species interconnected by hydrogen-bonds, and capable to form hydrogen-bonds with second-layer water species. The suggested model is consistent with all experimental observations as well as predictions from quantum-chemical and molecular dynamic simulations. |
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