Ultrahigh vacuum/transfer system for electrochemical studies

Abstract

An ultrahigh vacuum/transfer system has been designed and constructed to investigate the electrochemical properties of surfaces prepared and characterized in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV). One of the unique features of this system is a self-contained electrochemical cell with a built-in dynamic hydrogen reference electrode which can be charged and tested in situ. The capabilities of the apparatus were demonstrated by examining the cyclic voltammetry of c(4×2)CO/Ni(111) surfaces (formed in UHV) in 0.1 M KOH electrolytes. The first linear scan in the positive direction revealed characteristic features associated with the quantitative electrooxidation of the adsorbed CO not observed in specimens exposed to an oxygen containing atmosphere.