Some aspects of the electrochemical behaviour of zinc

The active region of the dissolution of zinc in flowing electrolyte has been examined. In certain circumstances the active dissolution is extended indefinitely when silicate ion is present. Double-layer capacitance measurements have been made and the results confirm earlier observations that it is possible to study the electrode/electrolyte solution interphase free from the intrusion of adsorbed anions. It is also shown that the silicate ion is adsorbed at the electrode at potentials close to the dissolution potential. The exchange reaction has been studied and improvements made to earlier reported data. A proposed mechanism consistent with the new kinetic data appears to be satisfactory. [Continues.]