Cyclic voltammetric studies of tellurium in diluted HNO3 solutions

Abstract

Electrochemistry of tellurium stationary electrode was studied in nitric acid solutions of pH 2.0 and 2.5. Two sparingly soluble products were formed at potentials above 200 mV (SCE): TeO2 and H2TeO3. H2TeO3 and TeO2 could dissolve to HTeO 2+ under acidic electrolyte, but this process was hindered at pH 2.5. Cathodic polarization of tellurium electrode below-800 mV was accompanied by evolution of H2Te, which was then oxidized at the potentials approx.-700 mV.