Nanoscale morphological evolution of monocrystalline Pt surfaces during cathodic corrosion

Title	Nanoscale morphological evolution of monocrystalline Pt surfaces during cathodic corrosion
Authors	Nakkiran Arulmozhi, Thomas J. P. Hersbach, Marc T M Koper
Magazine	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United Kingdom
Date	12/07/2020
DOI	10.1073/pnas.2017086117
Introduction	This study investigates the cathodic corrosion of spherical platinum single crystals in alkaline electrolytes, focusing on the facet-specific corrosion structures. The corrosion progresses through distinct stages: initial formation of etch pits reflecting surface symmetry, hypothesised to occur via a ternary metal hydride intermediate. Unlike anodic corrosion, the (111) facet corrodes fastest, while the (110) facet corrodes slowest. Etch pits on the (100) facet destabilise in the second stage, forming concave octagon-shaped pits. A third stage sees the development of side arms, resulting in a self-similar diffusion-limited growth pattern with preferred growth directions.
Quote	Nakkiran Arulmozhi, Thomas J. P. Hersbach and Marc T M Koper. Nanoscale morphological evolution of monocrystalline Pt surfaces during cathodic corrosion. 2020. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2017086117
Element	Platinum (Pt)
Industry	Research & Laboratory