Aspects of the electrochemistry of lead in acid media Part II. Active dissolution in oxygenated and deoxygenated perchloric acid solutions

Abstract

Steady-state current-potential, double-layer capacity and impedance measurements have been made on lead in 0.1 M and 5 M perchloric acid solutions under nitrogen and oxygen saturated conditions. It is shown that the metal dissolution reaction is a quasi-reversible process. Evidence for a charge-transfer mechanism involving two consecutive one-electron transfers is given with Pb [1] as an intermediate. A large enhancement in the rate of dissolution in the presence of oxygen is confirmed, although there is no evidence for a change in the reaction mechanism. It is suggested that these results will have consequences with regard to the operation of lead-acid batteries since, in particular, passivation processes at the negative are likely to affected.