Novel application of radiotracer techniques for corrosion studies of zinc and aluminium in acidic medium

Abstract The adsorption of sulphate ions on Zn and Al was studied in 0.5 M NaClO 4 supporting electrolyte at various pH values in the range of pH=2–7 by radiotracer techniques. It was found in both cases that the adsorption of sulphate passes over maximum in the pH range studied. The phenomena observed are interpreted by the assumption that the main component of the overall process is anion adsorption on the protonated oxides/hydroxides formed as a result of corrosion. At low pH values the steady state coverage with respect to these products should be very low owing to their dissolution; consequently the extent of anion adsorption induced must also be very low. At higher pH values where no protonation occurs the adsorption of anions decreases significantly.