Ellipsometric response of titanium electrodes in sulphate acid solutions under different potential perturbations

Optical characteristics and thickness of thin oxide films potentiodynamically formed on a titanium electrode in acidic sulphate solutions at pH 4.0 were investigated by dynamic and steady ellipsometric measurements. The dynamic ellipsometric response of an electrode polarized up to 1.0 V vs rhe depends on the charge involved in the massive oxide electroformation. Cycling the electrode at a constant potential sweep rate between ?0.65 and 0 V produces a decrease on film thickness and the electrode reactivation. This electrode treatment becomes less effective as oxide electroformation is repeated several times. Experiments performed by holding the potential at the negative limit were not so effective in reducing film thickness and an appreciable change on optical constants was found. Results were interpreted as hydrogenated species formation within the oxide film.