Effect of power ultrasound on the electrochemical platinum ∣ HCOOH interface

The effect of ultrasound (f=20 kHz) on the electrochemical behavior of a platinum electrode was investigated in aqueous media. A study of HCOOH oxidation on platinum showed that low-intensity ultrasound (on the order of Ius=2 W cm−2) increases the potential oxidation zone and the current intensity. The catalytic activity of freshly reduced platinum was also observed to increase significantly under the effect of ultrasound, depending on the upper potential investigated during platinum oxidation. Monitoring the potential during electrolysis of formic acid at an imposed current with a platinum electrode under ultrasound showed oscillating reactions characteristic of passivation/depassivation phenomena on the platinum electrode.