The effect of modification with hydrogen peroxide on a hydrated cerium(III) oxide layer for protection of zinc against corrosion in 0.5 M NaCl

A thin protective layer was prepared on a zinc electrode by treatment in 1x10(-3) M Ce(NO3)(3) at 30 degrees C for 30 min and modification in 1x10(-2) M H2O2 at 30 degrees C for 10 min. This layer was highly protective against corrosion of zinc in an aerated 0.5 M NaCl solution after immersion in the solution for many hours. The protective efficiencies of the modified layer were remarkably high, more than 96% in the region of the immersion time between 72 and 168 h and 94% at 720 h. The layer was composed of hydrated Ce3+ oxide containing Ce4+ which improved the protective ability of the layer. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.