Course Summary

This corrosion electrochemistry course is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the electrochemical aspects of corrosion, covering a wide range of topics across five sections. The content of each section is summarized below:

Section 1: Electrochemical Nature of Aqueous Corrosion

In this section, learners will build a foundation by understanding the fundamental principles and classifications of corrosion. They will grasp the electrochemical nature of aqueous corrosion, including anodic and cathodic reactions, and the movement of charge in metals and electrolytes. Additionally, they will learn to apply Faraday's law to corrosion-related calculations. This section aims to provide a solid conceptual understanding of corrosion as an electrochemical process.

Section 2: Corrosion Thermodynamics

This section delves deeper into the thermodynamics of corrosion. Learners will explore potential differences, standard potentials, and the Nernst equation for equilibrium potentials. They will also gain proficiency in interpreting Pourbaix diagrams to evaluate the thermodynamic feasibility of reactions based on pH and potential. This section provides insights into how thermodynamics govern corrosion behavior, especially concerning different metals and their passivity.

Section 3: Kinetics of Corrosion Reactions

Section 3 focuses on the kinetics of corrosion reactions, elucidating concepts like activation-controlled reactions and diffusion-limited reactions. Learners will understand the factors influencing cathodic reactions, such as oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution, and the formation of protective oxide films. This section equips students to analyze and compare the corrosion behavior of different metals and recognize the implications of concurrent reactions on the same metal surface.

Section 4: Corrosion Behaviors

Here, learners will explore various aspects of corrosion behaviors, such as Evan's diagrams to analyze multiple reactions, estimating corrosion currents using the Stern-Geary equation, and the effects of cathodically active phases and galvanic corrosion. They will also understand the impact of oxygen on corrosion, including diffusion-limited corrosion. This section focuses on interpreting potentiodynamic polarization curves to assess corrosion mechanisms and analyzing the behavior of passive metals in corrosive environments.

Section 5: Electrochemical Measurements

The final section of the course covers practical aspects of electrochemical measurements. Learners will gain the skills to set up a three-electrode cell, convert potential measurements to the hydrogen reference electrode standard, and distinguish between potential measurements referenced to the open circuit potential and the reference electrode. They will also understand key parameters for potentiodynamic polarization and linear polarization experiments, along with recognizing the impact of electrolyte resistance on potentiodynamic polarization curves.

In summary, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of corrosion electrochemistry from both theoretical and practical perspectives. It equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze, evaluate, and experimentally measure corrosion processes, making it valuable for students and professionals in fields related to materials science, engineering, and corrosion prevention.