Flatband potentials, charge carrier concentrations and their frequency disp
ersions of p-type and n-type InP in 1.0 M HCl were determined. The cathodic
decomposition of InP in this acidic solution is compared with the depositi
on process of indium from 1.0 M-HCl containing 0.1 M InCl3, The share of th
e involved reactions, hydrogen evolution, InP decomposition and indium depo
sition are investigated. The reaction rates are generally smaller on p-type
InP and the reaction speed is much slower but the principal reactions are
the same. The kinetics of the indium deposition and dissolution are studied
in detail. These reactions are discussed in terms of the preparation of wa
tersplitting photoelectrodes with modified surfaces. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie
nce Ltd. All rights reserved.