Corrosion of an alloy studied in situ with synchrotron x-ray diffraction
Abstract
Corrosion processes are mostly electrochemical in nature. For the basic understanding of corrosion and similar technical processes, in-situ structural methods capable of atomic resolution, such as scanning probe microscopy or hard X-ray techniques are necessary. We used in-situ X-ray diffraction and in addition ex-situ AFM, to study Cu_3Au(111) single crystal surfaces in 0.1M H_2SO4 electrolyte as a function of electrode potential in the sub-critical regime. This binary metal alloys serves as model systems for more complicated technically utilized metal alloys. During the initial electrochemical corrosion, Cu atoms are dissolved and a passivating layer is formed. The experiments show the formation of an epitaxial and highly strained ultra-thin Cu_xAu_1-x(111) phase on the surface at a potential where Cu dissolution starts. At higher potentials, thicker epitaxial Au islands are growing on the surface. AFM images reveal a surface, densely packed with Au islands of a homogeneous size-distribution. On a prolonged timescale, a percolating, porous morphology of the surface evolves by ripening, even at an electrode potential well below the critical potential.
- Publication:
-
APS March Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- March 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004APS..MARZ35003R