Rupture directed metal oxidation

As indicated above, when a positive direct current is impressed upon a piece of titanium immersed in an electrolyte, the consequent rise in potential induces the formation of a protective surface film, which is resistant to passage of any further appreciable quantity of current into the electrolyte. The upper potential limit that can be attained without breakdown of the surface film will depend upon the nature of the electrolyte. Thus, in strong sulphuric acid the metal/oxide system will sustain voltages of between 80 and 100 V before a spark-type dielectric rupture ensues, while in sodium chloride solutions or in sea water film rupture takes place when the voltage across the oxide film reaches a value of about 12 to 14 V. Above the critical voltage, anodic dissolution takes place at weak spots in the surface film and appreciable current passes into the electrolyte, presumably by an initial mechanism involving the formation of soluble titanium ions. 

The running order in this chapter is essentially similar to that used in the preceding one. The main section, dealing with metal-carbon Group VIII triads in the order, iron, cobalt, and nickel, and is followed by a shorter section on carbene and carbyne complexes. Oxidative addition or reductive elimination reactions are included only when they lead directly to the formation or rupture of metal-carbon bonds. 

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