Comparative Electron Microscopy (SEM) Examination of Fe, Au, and Zn Electrode Surfaces Polarized in Different Regions of Potentiostatic E/I Behavior

Abstract

Abstract The surface morphology of some metals (Fe, Au, and Zn) after potentiostatic polarization was studied through SEM examination. The following electrochemical systems were investigated at 25 C: (1)Fe/1 M H2SO4; (2) Au/1 M HCl; and (3) Zn/2 M NaOH. The polarization potentials were chosen in the active dissolution region, in the passivity region, and in the potential range where periodic oscillations of the anode current are observed. The changes in the morphologies of attack on the various metals were related to the film forming species and of anion adsorption.