Corrosion process redox-oxide layers

Fig. 4 shows a simple phase diagram for a metal (1) covered with a passivating oxide layer (2) contacting the electrolyte (3) with the reactions at the interfaces and the transfer processes across the film. This model is oversimplified. Most passive layers have a multilayer structure, but usually at least one of these partial layers has barrier character for the transfer of cations and anions. Three main reactions have to be distinguished. The corrosion in the passive state involves the transfer of cations from the metal to the oxide, across the oxide and to the electrolyte (reaction 1). It is a matter of a detailed kinetic investigation as to which part of this sequence of reactions is the rate-determining step. The transfer of O2 or OH- from the electrolyte to the film corresponds to film growth or film dissolution if it occurs in the opposite direction (reaction 2). These anions will combine with cations to new oxide at the metal/oxide and the oxide/electrolyte interface. Finally, one has to discuss electron transfer across the layer which is involved especially when cathodic redox processes have to occur to compensate the anodic metal dissolution and film formation (reaction 3). In addition, one has to discuss the formation of complexes of cations at the surface of the passive layer, which may increase their transfer into the electrolyte and thus the corrosion current density (reaction 4). The scheme of Fig. 4 explains the interaction of the partial electrode processes that are linked to each other by the elec-... 

Corrosion inhibitor - corrosion inhibitors are chemicals which are added to the electrolyte or a gas phase (gas phase inhibitors) which slow down the - kinetics of the corrosion process. Both partial reactions of the corrosion process may be inhibited, the anodic metal dissolution and/or the cathodic reduction of a redox-system [i]. In many cases organic chemicals or compounds after their reaction in solution are adsorbed at the metal surface and block the reactive centers. They may also form layers with metal cations, thus growing a protective film at the surface like anodic oxide films in case of passivity. Benzo-triazole is an example for the inhibition of copper cor-... 

Around 1975, investigations of photoelectrochemical reactions at semiconductor electrodes were begun in many research groups, with respect to their application in solar energy conversion systems (for details see Chapter 11). In this context, various scientists have also studied the problem of catalysing redox reactions, for instance, in order to reduce surface recombination and corrosion processes. Mostly noble metals, such as Pt, Pd, Ru and Rh, or metal oxides (RUO2) have been deposited as possible catalysts on the semiconductor surface. This technique has been particularly applied in the case of suspensions or colloidal solutions of semiconductor particles [101]. However, it is rather difficult to prove a real catalytic property, because a deposition of a metal layer leads usually to the formation of a rectifying Schottky junction at the metal-semiconductor interface (compare with Chapter 2), as will be discussed below in more... 

Dissolution of the chlorides from the corrosion products is an essential part of the conservation process. It is essential that the artefact is immersed in an electrolyte that will not corrode the metal any further, while this dissolution is taking place. Corrosion scientists have developed redox potential - pH diagrams from thermodynamics in order to predict the most stable form of the metal. These diagrams are divided into three zones. Where metal ions are the most stable phase, this is classed as a zone of corrosion. If the metal itself is the most stable species, this is said to be the zone of immunity. The third zone is where solid metal compounds such as oxides, hydroxides, etc, are the most stable and may form a protective layer over the metal surface. This zone is termed passivity and the metal will not corrode as long as this film forms a protective barrier. The thickness of this passive layer may only be approximately 10 nm thick but as long as it covers the entire metal surface, it will prevent further corrosion. 

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