THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERING DEGREES OF THERMAL-ACTIVATION OF RUO2-CENTER-DOT-XH2O ON ITS CORRODABILITY AND OXYGEN CATALYTIC ACTIVITY

The kinetics of dissolution and oxygen catalysis of RuO2.xH(2)O sample s, thermally activated at different temperatures in the range ambient to 100 degrees C, are reported. The results of a kinetic study show th at increasing the temperature of activation causes an increasingly thi ck, dissolution-inert and diffuse layer to form on the outside of the particles. The observed decrease in activity towards dissolution with increased annealing temperature is mirrored an by increase in the acti vity of the samples as catalysts for the oxidation of water to O-2 by the BrO3- ions present. The results of this work re-enforce the crucia l link between the water content of a hydrated sample of ruthenium dio xide and its activity as an oxygen catalyst.