Oxide Formation and Removal on Pt Surfaces Under Potential Cycled Conditions

Surface oxides on Pt play a central role in the catalytic activity and durability of Pt nanostructures, especially under potential cycling conditions. This work constructs a model for the oxide formation and removal portion of Pt cyclic voltammograms based on underlying system thermodynamics and kinetics. Limitations of the model show the need to accurately include the roles of place exchange and surface oxide phases in order to quantitatively match experimental data. However, a better understanding of surface oxidation mechanisms is still required for quantitative modeling.