Novel dual microelectrode probe for the simultaneous visualization of local Zn2+ and pH distributions in galvanic corrosion processes

Abstract

Novel dual potentiometric microsensor probe has been developed for the simultaneous detection of Zn2+ concentration and pH distributions in the Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy investigation of corroding galvanized steel. The individual sensors show nearly theoretical behavior over a wide concentration range. The applicability of this probe is first demonstrated on a Fe-Zn galvanic couple, as it shows excellent performance in these simultaneous model experiments. In addition, linear scans recorded over a cut edge of coated galvanized steel evidences the complementary information gathered on the electrochemical behavior of the corroding sample, and adumbrates promising and feasible applications of multi-barrel microelectrodes in corrosion research.