In situ localized electrochemical activity in the Al/Cu galvanic pair at the corrosion potential in an aggressive
chloride electrolyte was investigated, along with the effect of the organic inhibitors 2-mercaptobenzimidazole
(MBI) and octylphosphonic acid (OPA) on arresting the corresponding corrosion processes. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and the scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) were used to discern local
anodic and cathodic sites at the surface. The electrochemical activity in the galvanic pair was greatly reduced
when the copper surface was covered with an MBI-containing film. SECM was successfully applied to visualize
spatially resolved differences in local electrochemical activity related to the inhibitor action.
