Mechanism of anodic dissolution of lead in sodium hydroxide solutions

ABSTRACT

The potential of the lead anode was measured at a function of current density in 0.1 -1 ON NaOH solutions at 20 -50 degree. The over-potential is independent of pH in pure solutions as well as in solutions containing excess neutral salts. From the electron number [4], it was suggested that the surface lead atoms exist as diatomic molecules. A suboxide [Pb2O] is first formed, which undergoes self-oxidation to PbO. This latter step governs the overall reaction rate. The effect of temperature was also investigated. The exchange current is slightly affected with temperature