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Online Monitoring of Electrochemical Carbon Corrosion in Alkaline Electrolytes by Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry
Author(s) -
Möller Sandra,
Barwe Stefan,
Masa Justus,
Wintrich Daniela,
Seisel Sabine,
Baltruschat Helmut,
Schuhmann Wolfgang
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.201909475
Subject(s) - electrochemistry , corrosion , electrolyte , carbon fibers , anode , chemistry , inorganic chemistry , materials science , electrode , metallurgy , composite number , composite material
Carbon corrosion at high anodic potentials is a major source of instability, especially in acidic electrolytes and impairs the long‐term functionality of electrodes. In‐depth investigation of carbon corrosion in alkaline environment by means of differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) is prevented by the conversion of CO 2 into CO 3 2− . We report the adaptation of a DEMS system for online CO 2 detection as the product of carbon corrosion in alkaline electrolytes. A new cell design allows for in situ acidification of the electrolyte to release initially dissolved CO 3 2− as CO 2 in front of the DEMS membrane and its subsequent detection by mass spectrometry. DEMS studies of a carbon‐supported nickel boride (Ni x B/C) catalyst and Vulcan XC 72 at high anodic potentials suggest protection of carbon in the presence of highly active oxygen evolution electrocatalysts. Most importantly, carbon corrosion is decreased in alkaline solution.