INSITU INVESTIGATION OF THE BEHAVIOR OF A NICKEL ELECTRODE IN ALKALINE-SOLUTION BY UV-VIS AND IR REFLECTANCE SPECTROSCOPIES

In situ spectroscopic techniques were used to investigate the nickel electrode-alkaline solution interface. By uv-vis reflectance spectroscopy, it was possible to characterize (by their respective absorption spectra) some of the oxygenated species formed at the electrode surface, namely alpha Ni(OH)//2, beta NiOOH and gamma NiOOH, and to follow their evolution depending on the electrode potential. By ir reflectance spectroscopy, information was obtained on the nature of the hydroxides (strength of the bond between OH and Ni) and on the role of water. In particular, the results are in favor of a hydrated oxide structure for the so called oxyhydroxides.