Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance study of copper electrochemical reaction in acid medium containing chlorides

Copper electrodissolution and electrodeposition were studied by means of gravimetric quartz crystal microbalance and electric (cyclic voltammetry) combined measurements. Relevant information on the mechanism of these electrochemical processes is provided by the analysis of experimental data and particularly of the mass change per charge unit. The copper electrodeposition and electrodissolution take place by means of two consecutive monoelectronic transfers where the anion participation in the reaction mechanism is specified. Besides, it is proved that the presence of molecular oxygen in the solution contributes to the formation of a passive layer on the surface of the metallic copper deposit. (c) 2006 The Electrochemical Society.