In Situ Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) Detection of Metal Dissolution during Zinc Corrosion by Means of Mercury Sphere-Cap Microelectrode Tips

This study investigates the use of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to detect metal dissolution during zinc corrosion, focusing on developing novel methodologies to enhance the sensitivity of measurements in corrosive environments. The objective is to address the challenges associated with monitoring redox processes in metals that operate near the threshold of hydrogen evolution, where traditional methods may fail due to interference from competing reactions. We employed mercury sphere-cap microelectrode tips for in situ measurements, allowing for a detailed mapping of localized corrosion activity on zinc surfaces. The methodology involved using amperometric signal analysis based on the spatial positioning of the microelectrode in close proximity to the sample surface. Results demonstrate that this approach enables effective visualization of anodic and cathodic regions, providing insights into the dynamics of zinc dissolution and corrosion localization. The findings suggest that SECM combined with specially designed microelectrode tips enhances the understanding of zinc corrosion processes and could improve the assessment of corrosion susceptibility in various environments.