PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL STUDIES OF SURFACE FILMS.

Surface films on electrodes can alter to a great extent the electrochemical behavior and, in particular, the rate of electrochemical reactions. In order to understand the role of such surface films, studies have to be carried out describing their physical and chemical properties. This should be done preferably under in-situ conditions to avoid any changes of the film by air, vacuum or high energy irradiation. Photoelectrochemistry, the study of electrochemical behavior induced by irradiation of the electrode, has a very good potential to meet such requirements.