OXIDATION OF FORMIC-ACID ON PT(111) ELECTRODES MODIFIED BY IRREVERSIBLY ADSORBED TELLURIUM

The electrocatalytic behaviour of tellurium-modified Pt(lll) electrode s for the oxidation of formic acid was investigated. For the direct ox idation of formic acid, an enhancement of catalysis was observed, yiel ding a maximum formic acid oxidation current for a tellurium coverage of 0.24. In poison formation experiments, the tellurium adsorbed on th e surface inhibited poison formation and accumulation by an electronic effect. A comparison was made with other s(2)p(n) adatoms. It was fou nd that the elements which have a lower work function than platinum in hibit poison formation through a long-range electronic effect when the y are adsorbed on the Pt(111) electrode.