Effects of an applied magnetic field on the dissolution and passivation of iron in sulphuric acid

Abstract

The effects of an applied magnetic field (MF) on the electrochemical state, anodic dissolution and passivation of iron in sulphuric acid solution were studied by potentiodynamic scanning polarisation measurements, potentiostatic polarisation measurements and scanning electron microscopy observation. The magnetic field reduced the fractional surface film coverage on the electrode by enhancing the film dissolution process. This made the electrode prone to active dissolution. With increasing applied potentials the magnetic field accelerated the anodic dissolution at relatively low potentials, changed the oscillation or passivation to permanent active dissolution at intermediate potentials, and maintained the passive state at high potentials. Potentials for the onset of passivation moved in the noble direction when the magnetic field was imposed. An electrode kinetics formulation for the effects of the magnetic field on the dissolution and passivation is proposed. In the presence of a magnetic field and at specific anodic potentials, scalloping occurred due to accelerated localized dissolution. The scalloping areas were on both sides of the electrode and oriented parallel to the direction of the earth’s gravitation field. The ratios of the scalloping area caused by a 0.4 T magnetic field on the whole electrode surface were 0.69 (at 200 mV), 0.66 (at 350 mV) and 0.75 (at 400 mV), respectively. In contrast, uniform electrode surfaces were observed at these anodic potentials in the absence of the magnetic field. Uneven dissolution of iron in the presence of a magnetic field was related to the relative configuration between the magnetic field direction and the electrode surface and also to the special concentration gradient of reactive species at the electrode circumferential area.