Abstract
The kinetics of anodic dissolution of Zr in hydrofluoric acid (HF) was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization experiments. At lower potentials, an active region with a rapid increase in current with the potential was observed and at higher potentials, a large passivation current plateau was observed. The current decreased only slightly with potential in the passive region. Scanning electron micrographs confirmed that the passivation is incomplete in the region where current exhibits a plateau and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis showed that oxides and oxyfluorides are present on the surface. A four-step mechanism with two adsorbed intermediate species was evaluated and the model captures the essential characteristics of the polarization plots. The results suggest that \( {HF}_2^{-} \) species participates in the chemical dissolution step and actual HF participates in the electrochemical dissolution step.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.