Analysis of the Photoelectrochemical Response of the Passive Film on Iron in Neutral Solutions

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical techniques have become increasingly popular for in situ measurements related to corrosion studies and have provided a new insight into the electronic structure of passive films. Photoelectrochemical studies of the passive film formed on iron in neutral solutions are presented. The electronic properties of the film are interpreted on the basis of photocurrent measurements performed as a function of incident photon energy and electrode potential. Results indicate that the passive film on iron exhibits electronic properties similar to those of amorphous semiconductors.