APPLICATION OF FT-RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY TO THE STUDY OF THE BENZOTRIAZOLE INHIBITION OF ACID COPPER CORROSION

The initial stages of the corrosion protection of copper surfaces by b enzotriazole in sulfuric acid solution are investigated using FT-Raman SERS and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Spectra are measured in th e presence of ppm levels of inhibitor on a copper surface in situ. The dependence of the adsorbate spectra on the electrode potential, solut ion pH, oxidation/reduction cycles and time is observed. Good spectra are obtained from copper electrodes prepared using in situ oxidation/r eduction cycling in low pH sulfate solutions free from chloride at neg ative potentials.