Voltammetric studies of tellurium film and hydrogen telluride formation in acidic tellurite solution

The cathodic formation of highly active tellurium deposits and of hydrogen telluride in acidic tellurite solution were studied voltammetrically at gold and tellurium rotating disk electrodes with gold or silver rings. Both generation and detection of H 2 Te are dependent on the activity of the tellurium substrate and the presence of Te(IV) in the solution. Electrodeposited Te in perchloric acid solution produces a very rough surface which affects the hydrodynamics of the electrode and leads to the electrochemical activity. This substrate is highly useful in the electrosynthesis of metal tellurides.