A model of the anodic behaviour of iron in aqueous media

An analysis of the dynamics of a model of the dissolution and passivation o f iron is presented which explains (i) the pH dependence of the shape of th e stationary anodic polarisation curve (V, i), (ii) the experimentally obse rved indeterminacy of the potential at which passivation takes place, (iii) the well defined reactivation of the electrode as the potential of the ele ctrode is reduced below the Flade potential and (iv) the tendency for the c urrent density to diminish as the electrolyte is made progressively less ac idic.