This research project, supported in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, addresses fundamental questions of the growth of oxide and hydroxide films on reactive metals in aqueous solutions. Professor Kelber, at the University of North Texas, will use a combination of ultra high vacuum electrochemical methods and reflection absorption UV/VIS spectroscopy to characterize reactions at iron and nickel surfaces. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy will be used for compositional analysis of the interfaces formed, and the effects of substrate structure and composition on the reactions of the surfaces in aqueous solutions will be probed. This research provides fundamental understanding of the processes of corrosion, environmental adsorption of species contained in groundwater, and the action of corrosion inhibitors at the surfaces of reactive metals. A detailed understanding of the interaction of reactive metal and metal oxide surfaces with aqueous environments is important to controlling and preventing corrosion. The research carried out in this project provides structural and kinetic information which will help to understand this important process. A new method for probing these interfaces in situ using reflection absorption UV/VIS spectroscopy is being developed. These studies will increase our understanding of corrosion and related environmentally important processes.
