An STM study of phosphoric acid inhibition of the oxidation of HOPG and carbon catalyzed by alkali salts

The role of phosphoric acid as an inhibitor in the oxidation of HOPG and as a neutralizer of alkali salt catalysts is examined using scanning tunneling microscopy, supported by thermogravimetric analysis of carbon powder samples. HOPG samples were oxidized in air primarily at 700 °C, with a few samples oxidized at 800 °C. Reaction time was 20 min. Powder samples were oxidized for 5 min at temperatures ranging from 500 °C to 900 °C and rates of oxidation were determined. STM images of impurity deposits and oxidized samples are presented and analyzed. Two alkali salts are examined, sodium hydroxide and potassium acetate, and both catalyze oxidation at 700 °C. Phosphoric acid proves to be an inhibitor at 700 °C but begins to lose its inhibiting effect at 800 °C. It also demonstrates neutralization of potassium acetate at 700 °C but results for NaOH/phosphoric acid mixtures are less conclusive.