Record |
Author |
Ayalew, E.; Janssens, K.; De Wael, K. |
Title |
Unraveling the reactivity of minium towards bicarbonate and the role of lead oxides therein |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
Year |
2016 |
Publication |
Analytical chemistry |
Abbreviated Journal |
Anal Chem |
Volume |
88 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
1564-1569 |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) |
Abstract |
Understanding the reactivity of (semiconductor) pigments provides vital information on how to improve conservation strategies for works of art in order to avoid rapid degradation of the pigments. This study focuses on the photoactivity of minium (Pb3O4), a semiconductor pigment, that gives rise to strong discoloration phenomena upon exposure to various environmental conditions. To demonstrate its photoactivity, an electrochemical setup with minium-modified graphite electrode (C|Pb3O4) was used. It is confirmed that minium is a p-type semiconductor which is photoactive during illumination and becomes inactive in the dark. Raman measurements confirm the formation of the degradation products. The photoactivity of a semiconductor pigment is partly defined by the presence of lead oxide (PbO) impurities; these introduce new states in the original band gap. It will be experi-mentally evidenced that the presence of PbO particles in minium leads to an upward shift of the valence band that reduces the band gap. Thus, upon photoexcitation, the electron/hole separation is more easily initialized. The PbO/Pb3O4 composite electrodes demonstrate a higher reductive photocurrent compared to the photocurrent registered at pure PbO or Pb3O4 modified electrodes. Upon exposure to light with energy close to and above the band gap, electrons are excited from the valence band to the conduction band to initialize the reduction of Pb(IV) to Pb(II), resulting in the initial formation of PbO. However in the presence of bicarbonate ions, a significantly higher photoreduction current is recorded since the PbO reacts further to form hydrocerussite. Therefore the presence of bicarbonates in the environment stimulates the photodecomposition process of minium and plays an important role in the degradation process. |
Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000369471100014 |
Publication Date |
2015-12-31 |
Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0003-2700; 5206-882x |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
Impact Factor |
6.32 |
Times cited |
9 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
; The authors acknowledge Sanne Aerts from the Laboratory of Adsorption and Catalysis (LADCA) of the University of Antwerp for her help with the UV-vis-DR. Financial support from the SOLARPAINT BOF-GOA project (University of Antwerp Research Council) is acknowledged. The authors are also indebted to F. Vanmeert for performing the XRD measurements. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 6.32 |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:129963 |
Serial |
5888 |
Permanent link to this record |