XPS characterization and corrosion resistance of cerium‐treated magnesium coatings

Abstract

Abstract Cerium conversion treatment was applied on magnesium coatings in a solution containing CeCl 3 . The composition of the cerium conversion layer on magnesium was investigated using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was revealed that the composition predominately consisted of a three‐valent state cerium compound with a relative abundance around 90%. Some of Ce 3+ was oxidized to Ce 4+ . Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results revealed that the total impedance of cerium‐treated samples increased for a short immersion time in NaCl solution before coating deteriorating. This deterioration was due to the coating porosity increasing and the breakdown of the conversion layer.