Electron probe X-ray microanalysis of glass-ceramic carbon electrode surfaces modified by copper, cadmium and lead electrochemical co-deposition

Glass-ceramic carbon electrode surfaces modified by electrochemical co-deposition of copper, cadmium and lead from aqueous solutions were studied by electron probe X-ray microanalysis in combination with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence analysis. The metal distribution on the disc electrode surface was calculated. The dependence of the element composition of the modified disc electrode surface on the absolute and relative metal concentrations in solution, the electrode diameter (cathodic current density accordingly) and the type of intermetallic interaction was established. The results of the spectroscopic investigation were compared with those predicted by theoretical electrochemistry. On the basis of the spectroscopic data, mechanisms of metal co-deposition are proposed.