The electrochemical characteristics of the galvanic corrosion of sulphide minerals in short-circuited model galvanic cells

Abstract

An investigation was made of the galvanic corrosion of minerals in model galvanic cells composed of two different mineral electrodes, short-circuited through an external circuit of zero impedance and immersed in an acidic solution saturated with oxygen. The electrodes were made of four minerals: galena, chalcocite, chalcopyrite and pyrite. A small-amplitude cyclic voltammetry method was employed in experiments. A periodic, symmetrical, triangular-shaped potential difference versus the potential of the short-circuited galvanic couple was imposed between the electrodes and the current response was recorded. The parameters characterizing the action of the galvanic couple, such as Tafel slopes for the reactions taking place at the surfaces of electrodes or the ratio of galvanic current to total corrosion current, were calculated on the basis of experimental results.