On the Volta potential measured by SKPFM - fundamental and practical pects with relevance to corrosion science

The Volta potential is an electron-sensitive parameter and describes the ermodynamic propensity of a metal to take part in electrochemical actions. It has found widespread acceptance among corrosion searchers due to its connection to the corrosion potential and its sy measurability in local scale, being often used to study localised rrosion phenomena and micro-galvanic activities. The principle object this paper is to provide a comprehensive, fundamental insight into e meaning of the Volta potential and to define a polarity convention measured potentials by the scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy KPFM) in order to assess local nobilities in microstructures. nditions to relate the Volta potential with the mixed-potential theory e discussed and a possible connection to corrosion phenomena plained. The limitations of the Volta potential as well as the SKPFM chnique are also aimed to be explained, with some practical formation to maximise the output of high quality data.
QC 20190405