A rotating tungsten disc electrode in concentrated strong alkaline solutions: An electroanalytical aspect

Abstract

Electrochemical behavior of tungsten in concentrated strong alkaline solutions (10-3-10-1 M KOH, 11 < pH < 13) was studied by means of rotating disc electrode technique. Contrary to the case of less concentrated alkaline solutions, the formation of solid anodic passive film was not evidenced. Chronoamperometric measurements evidenced a fast establishment of steady state conditions in the surface region. In spite of the complexity of overall surface electrochemistry, a linear relationship between the limiting anodic currents and the concentration of OH- ions was evidenced, which may be used for easy and accurate determination of OH - ion concentration at high pH values where the glass electrode loses its high reliability. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.