Investigation of anodic decomposition of the solid electrolyte RbCu4Cl3. I 2

The process of electrochemical decomposition of the solid electrolyte RbCu4 Cl 3 I2 on the vitreous carbon electrode has been investigated. The anodic decomposition of the electrolyte occurs in two steps. At first the oxidizing electrode reaction of Cu + ions up to Cu2 + ions takes place at potentials higher than 0,57 V and onto the electrode surface the layer of decomposition products is formed, including the compound of divalent copper RbCuCl3. Then the oxidizing reaction of Iions occurs at potentials higher than approximately 0,67 V with a deposition of the iodine layer onto the electrode surface. Deposition rate of the layers of decomposition products is controlled by instantaneous nucleation and two-dimensional growth of the deposit. Summarized thickness of the passivating layer of decomposition products on the anode is equal approximately to 1 micron.