Derivatised nickel and cobalt oxide modified electrodes: effect of surfactant

The oxide/oxyhydroxide electrodes of nickel and cobalt have been prepared by cycling the respective metal hexacyanoferrate modified electrodes in alkali. The voltammetric behaviour of these derivatised electrodes prepared in the presence and absence of surfactant is described. The results reported pertain to the effects noticed in the presence of the cationic surfactant cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Enhanced film growth and improved electrochemical reversibility observed for metal hexacyanoferrate modified electrodes in the presence of CTAB are inherited and retained by the derivatised electrodes during treatment with alkali. Cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy techniques are used to substantiate the results observed.