SECONDARY-ION MASS-SPECTROMETRY METHODOLOGY AND SURFACE-CHEMISTRY OF MIXED-OXIDE ELECTRODES - MODIFICATIONS INDUCED BY NOBLE-METAL CONTENT

Mixed-oxide coatings are extensively used in the electrochemical industry. Secondary-ion mass spectrometric data confirm that technological research can indeed find a new way of controlling precursors, synthesis conditions, purity of coatings and electrodic activity. Results obtained by argon and oxygen primary-ion bombardment of RuO2/TiO2, IrO2/TiO2, RuO2/IrO2/TiO2 films are reported. The presence of metal, metal oxide and cluster ions suggests a more systematic use of secondary-ion mass spectrometry in the elucidation of catalytic aspects. In-depth profiles of some ionic species and their correlation with parameters that induce significant modifications can help in the understanding of the solid state physics and inorganic chemistry involved.