Effect of atomic hydrogen on the anodic dissolution of iron in a weakly acidic sulfate electrolyte

Using a membrane electrode, atomic hydrogen is shown to decelerate the dissolution of iron in sulfate and sulfate-citrate electrolytes (pH 5.5) in a potential range of the active metal dissolution and accelerates the process at the prepassivation potentials. Impedance spectra of iron at a controlled degree of surface coverage with hydrogen atoms are recorded. Rate constants of elementary stages of the anodic process are calculated and the reaction scheme of the iron dissolution in sulfate environments is made more accurate.