X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry study of Hg(I) and sulfate adsorption processes accompanying the coulostatic underpotential deposition of mercury on gold

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy successfully clarified the processes occurring on gold electrode surface that accompany coulostatic underpotential deposition (UPD) of mercury. They showed that a sulfur-containing species was adsorbed. It corresponded to the adsorption of 28% Hg(I) bisulfate on the gold during the UPD process. This work confirmed Shay and Bruckenstein's deductions, based on electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance studies, that 34% Hg(I) bisulfate was adsorbed.