Stabilization of Metal‐Metal Oxide Surfaces Using Electroactive Polymer Films

Abstract

Charge coupling of the catalyzed reduction of O2 on platinized poly(3-methylthiophene) [P(3-MT)] films to the anodicdissolution of Ti is reported. Specifically, the redox polymer with Pt catalyst is used in these studies to mediate electronsgenerated by Ti dissolution and consumed by O2 reduction. Due to the large redox polymer capacity (>55 F/cm3) ofP(3-MT), these reactions occur at a stable potential approximately equal to the reversible oxidation potential of the polymer.Data presented support the conclusion that O2 reduction on the polymer film can replenish polymer charge consumedby metal dissolution, thereby stabilizing the potential of Ti within the passive potential range and minimizing therate of metal dissolution. O2 reduction on P(3-MT)/Pt is sufficiently fast to poise the potential of Ti at 0.55V vs. SCE for pH [approximate] 3.2 and for metal-to-polymer geometrical area ratios (ATi/APMT)