Electrochemical Activation of Nickel Oxide Incorporated Aluminum-Zinc Alloy Matrix as an Efficient Sacrificial Anode in Marine Environments

Abstract

For cathodic protection of steel, the aluminium-zinc alloy sacrificial anodes incorporated with nickel oxide nanoparticles were fabricated. The metallurgical properties of Al-Zn sacrificial anodes enhanced substantially through the infiltration and uniform dispersion of nickel oxide nanoparticles into an Al-Zn matrix. Such effective and uniform presence of nano nickel oxide inside the interior mass of the anodes was characterized by electrochemical techniques. The anodes showed considerably low polarization, steady and high active open circuit potential and substantially decreased self-corrosion during galvanic exposure for prolonged periods. The presence of nickel oxide nanoparticles in the anode matrix caused effective destruction of the passive aluminia film, which facilitated enrichment of galvanic performance of the anode. The anode had high resistance against biofouling also.