Corrosion electrochemistry with a segmented array bipolar electrode

Bipolar electrochemistry was applied to determine the full spectrum of anodic-to-cathodic polarisation behaviour of stainless steel. The potential and current distributions at the sample surface were determined using a segmented array bipolar electrode (BPE). The measured potential shows a quasi-linear gradient along the centre of the BPE, with the current following an exponential Butler-Volmer-type relationship. Bipolar electrochemistry is compared to conventional 3-electrode polarisation testing, allowing determination of the critical pitting potential, general corrosion rates and the cathodic current response. The application of bipolar electrochemistry is demonstrated via measurement of pit growth kinetics in ferritic stainless steel. (c) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )

Automated summary

Bipolar electrochemistry was used to study the behavior of stainless steel in terms of anodic-to-cathodic polarization, with potential and current distributions determined by a segmented array bipolar electrode. The results were compared to conventional 3-electrode polarization testing, providing insight into critical pitting potential, general corrosion rates, and cathodic current response. The application of bipolar electrochemistry was demonstrated through measurement of pit growth kinetics in ferritic stainless steel.