The anodic formation and cathodic reduction of cuprous oxide films on copper in sodium hydroxide solutions

S.L. MARCHIANO; C.I. ELSNER; A.J. ARVIA

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ELECTROCHEMISTRY

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 1980 vol. 10 p. 365 - 377

0021-891X

The potentiodynamic response of the Cu/alkaline solution interface in the potential range where Cu2O is formed and reduced has been investigated using a broad range of experimental conditions, including different electrode treatments. The reproducibility of the results is also critically considered. The cathodic reaction revealed that at least three different Cu(I) species are formed during de Cu2O formation. One of them has been attributed to a soluble Cu(I) species. One out of the two remaining Cu(I) surface species undergoes potentiostatic ageing effects. The results are discussed in terms of previously proposed reaction mechanisms related to the Cu2O formation and reduction.