Kinetics of crystallization of passivation layers on the surface of metals

The formation of a crystalline passivation layer on anodically dissolving m etal surfaces is shown to involve a heterogeneous two-dimensional nucleatio n of passivation oxide. The nucleation rate I-n (phi(a), phi, phi(0)) is ex pressed as a function of the anode potential phi(a), energy of intermolecul ar interactions within the nucleus (phi), and energy of its bonding to the metal support (phi(0)) This function is one of the basic physical character istics of the passivation of metals. In particular, it is important for fur ther development of the theory of activation-passivation transitions.