First-principles based microkinetic modeling of borohydride oxidation on a Au(1 1 1) electrode

Gholamreza Rostamikia, Alfonso J. Mendoza, Michael A. Hickner, Michael J. Janik

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98 Scopus citations

Abstract

Borohydride oxidation electrokinetics over the Au(1 1 1) surface are simulated using first-principles determined elementary rate constants and a microkinetic model. A method to approximate the potential dependent elementary step activation barriers based on density functional theory calculations is developed and applied to the minimum energy path for borohydride oxidation. Activation barriers of the equivalent non-electrochemical reactions are calculated and made potential dependent using the Butler-Volmer equation. The kinetic controlled region of the borohydride oxidation reaction linear sweep voltammogram over the Au(1 1 1) surface is simulated. The simulation results suggest that B-H bond containing species are stable surface intermediates at potentials where an oxidation current is observed. The predicted rate is most sensitive to the symmetry factor and the BH2OH dissociation barrier. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy confirms the presence of BH3 as a stable intermediate.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)9228-9237
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Power Sources
Volume196
Issue number22
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 15 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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