Characterization of surface films that develop on pre-oxidized copper in anoxic simulated groundwater with sulphide

Abstract

Surface films formed on pre-oxidized copper in anoxic simulated groundwater with sulphide were characterized by field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), open circuit potential (OCP) measurements, and via analysing the water chemistry and weight changes in the specimens. Additionally, films developed under identical conditions on pre-oxidized and ground copper specimens were characterized by glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES). The results revealed that the sulphide content in the groundwater significantly influences the morphology, composition and thickness of the surface film. The build-up of Cu2S was evidenced at the sulphide contents of 32 mg/L and 320 mg/L. GDOES depth profiling revealed that sulphur and oxygen coexisted in the film all through its thickness, yet the surface was essentially rich in sulphur. The results from characterization are presented in detail in this paper and discussed from the perspective of capabilities of the used methods.