Sonovoltammetry at platinum electrodes: surface phenomena and mass transport processes

Application of simultaneous ultrasound to representative solution-phase reversible voltammetric couples produce a step-shaped voltammogram at platinum electrodes of both ‘macro’ and ‘micro’ dimensions. The limiting current increases with ultrasonic power, but is not markedly affected by ultrasonic frequency in the 20–800kHz region. In contrast the complex voltammetry of a platinized platinum electrode surface within the hydrogen adsorption regime in aqueous acid medium is very little affected by sonication. Factors affecting the reproducibility of sonoelectrochemical experiments when employing ultrasonic sources are discussed.