In situ studies of a dispersed platinum on carbon electrode using X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Abstract In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements at the Pt L3 edge are reported for a high surface area platinum on carbon fuel cell type electrode in 1 M H2SO4 at 20°C. A purpose-built thin-layer cell was used in the transmission mode and spectra were recorded for the electrode at controlled potentials in the range 0.10–1.20 V/SCE. Changes in the near-edge spectra (XANES) and in the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) are reported and discussed in terms of the structural nature of the surface oxidation process.