Evidence for the Molecular Basis of Corrosion of Zinc Induced by Formic Acid using Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy

In situ observations of surface hydroxyl groups and the subsequent ligand exchange during initial atmospheric corrosion conditions of Zn are reported. The data have been obtained with sum frequency generation spectroscopy (SFG) during exposure of polycrystalline zinc to humidified or dry nitrogen gas, N-2, to which 100 parts per billion of formic acid, HCOOH, was added. The SFG data provide evidence of surface hydroxyl groups and their gradual replacement by formate species through a ligand exchange, representing the initial step of formate-induced dissolution of zinc. In addition, the aqueous adlayer on the Zn surface is probed, and the occurrence of the free OH vibration confirms a bulk-like water film.
QC 20101214