An alternative approach to ascertain the rate-determining steps of TiO2 photoelectrocatalytic reaction by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

H. Liu, X. Z. Li, Y. J. Leng, W. Z. Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

69 Scopus citations

Abstract

In an attempt to ascertain the rate-determining steps (RDS) of TiO2 photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) reaction, the PEC oxidation of sulfosalicyclic acid (SSA) solution in a TiO2-coated electrode reactor system was monitored by applying the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method. In the meantime, an EIS mathematical model was first established to theoretically simulate the PEC reaction. Based on the EIS model, the theoretical simulation indicates three typical reactions in a PEC oxidation process, which include the charge-transfer-dominated reaction, both the charge-transfer- and adsorption-dominated reaction, and the adsorption-dominated reaction. The experimental results of EIS measurement showed that there was only one arc/semicircle on the EIS plane display when the external bias applied was below 200 mV (vs SCE) in the SSA PEC degradation whereas there were two arcs/semicircles when the externally applied bias exceeded 200 mV (vs SCE). The experimental results have a good agreement with the model simulation. The EIS method in this study provide an easier way to determine the RDS in a PEC oxidation process, which would be helpful to better control the reaction in practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8988-8996
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry B
Volume107
Issue number34
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 28 2003

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Materials Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An alternative approach to ascertain the rate-determining steps of TiO2 photoelectrocatalytic reaction by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this