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Electrochemistry

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Definition: Electrochemistry deals with chemical reactions associated with the transport of electrons between electrodes and electrolytes. It describes processes such as corrosion, passivation, electrolytic deposition and battery reactions. Its basis lies in redox reactions and electrochemical potentials.

Practical relevance: In materials engineering, electrochemistry is central to understanding corrosion mechanisms, pitting corrosion or stress corrosion cracking. The measured quantities are corrosion potential, current density and polarisation resistance. Normative references can be found, among others, in DIN EN ISO 17475 or ASTM G5. Electrochemical tests enable accelerated assessments of resistance.

Decision-making perspectives:

  • Technical decision-makers: Design of corrosion protection systems and cathodic protection.
  • Purchasing/project management: Specification of electrochemical resistance verifications.
  • Science: Analysis of reaction kinetics, impedance spectroscopy and passive layer formation.
  • Insurance/law: Root cause analysis of failures caused by electrochemical effects.

Typical testing or verification methods: Potentiodynamic polarisation measurement, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), open-circuit potential measurement.

FAQ:

  • Why is electrochemistry relevant to corrosion?
  • Corrosion is an electrochemical process in which metal ions go into solution through redox reactions.
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