Scanning electron microscopy in the analysis of the activity of graphite electrodes

Copper deposition patterns on graphite electrodes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The deposition patterns correlate very well with the electrochemical activity of different graphites. The results indicate that treatment of graphite by electroactivation, laser irradiation of polishing on 600-grit silicon carbide paper produces active sites on the surface. The density of the sites directly reflects the electrochemical reactivity of the surface.