Dissolution of Iron in Sulfuric Acid and Ferric Sulfate Solutions

Abstract

Dissolution of iron in sulfuric acid solutions containing ferric sulfate is described by the superposition (without distortion) of the partial processes of hydrogen evolution, reduction of ferric ion, and anodic dissolution of iron. Reduction of ferric ion occurs at a diffusion‐limited rate. Derived relations between electrode potential and the concentration of ferric sulfate, the linear flow velocity, and time are verified. A comparison of potential‐current density curves obtained by polarization and from addition of ferric sulfate suggests that adsorption of ferric ion, if any, has no appreciable effect on iron dissolution