Reflection-FTIR spectroelectrochemistry using ionically conductive polymer films: electrochemical preparation and spectroscopic characterization of some metal hydrides

Infrared spectroelectrochemical techniques have been developed to such a level that it is now possible to observe surface energetic changes spectroscopically as a function of the driving force. In this paper, further improvement is obtained in which a thin ionically conductive polymer film allows conduction of both electrochemistry and reflection FTIR spectroscopy. Earlier experiments conducted with Nafion Films showed that their conductivity is large enough to be able to conduct solid-state electrochemistry. Using the cell and the electroreduction of protons to hydrogen in the polymeric film, the reflection FTIR spectroelectrochemistry of Pd, U and Ce hydrides is demonstrated.