Polarization Characteristics and Anodic Disintegration of Beryllium in Nonaqueous Solutions

Abstract

Anodic polarization of Be in both aqueous and nonaqueous media leads to a spalling or disintegration of the anode. The disintegration product is composed of shiny, metallic, crystalline particles embedded in a white brittle mass as viewed under an optical microscope. Microstructural studies using scanning electron microscopy provide further proof for the nature and identity of the Be particles. Valency determinations from weight loss measurements give values between 0.34 and 1.75. These anomalous values are attributed to the production of Be by anodic disintegration rather than to a disproportionation reaction of monovalent Be. The “apparent” valency appears to be more a function of the nature of the anion than of the solvent. The apparent valency approaches 1.0 in and and is fractional in . Beryllium is passivated both in aqueous and nonaqueous media containing ions. Beryllium passivated in has no electronic conduction; the surface when examined optically appears dark with shiny Be crystals on it. Thus anodic disintegration occurs even at potentials where passive oxides predominate on the surface.