In situ surface X-ray diffraction studies of electrochemical interfaces ata high-energy third-generation synchrotron facility

We have developed a new spectro-electrochemical cell derived from the three -electrodes standard cell, in order to study the electrolyte/single-crystal interfaces by using surface X-ray diffraction. Results obtained with this cell are described here. We studied the phase transition of gold (111) in s ulfuric acid. Preliminary results are shown concerning the overpotential de position and the new possibilities that are opened by the use of a 2-D X-ra y-sensitive detector. This set-up allowed us to follow in situ and in real time the morphology of Cu growth on Au (001), in free and surfactant-contai ning solution. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.