R. Foley, T. H. Nguyen
Mar 1, 1982
Citations
1
Influential Citations
177
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Quality indicators
Journal
Journal of The Electrochemical Society
Abstract
The transfer of energy during the dissolution of aluminum is represented by a potential energy surface. In chloride solution, the high energy aluminum metal ionizes rapidly to the A1 +§ ion which also hydrolyzes rapidly. At the start of the reaction, in the microsecond range, there are two species available for reaction, A1 +++ and AI(OH) § The reaction follows two alternative paths; the energy levels of the alternative species, A1C1 +* and AI(OH)C1 + have been measured. These two species react further to form a reasonable stable basic aluminum chloride that is transformed slowly to AI(OH)3 and finally to AI~_O~ �9 H20. The energy levels of these species have been measured. Reaction in sulfate solution differs because the intermediate species, AI(OHh + and AI(OH)SO~ occupy low energy levels, and the basic aluminum sulfate has a lower energy than AI(OH)3. In most practical cases of aluminum corrosion, the reaction proceeds in the reverse direction. The reactants are the oxide-covered aluminum surface and the anion combining to form the basic aluminum salt.