The Effect of Halides on the Capacity and Resistance of the Magnesium Electrode in Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

A study of potential‐time decay curves at anodically and cathodically polarized magnesium by the d‐c current interrupter method is presented. Potential‐time oscillograms and polarization curves were determined for magnesium electrodes in buffered and unbuffered aqueous solutions containing chloride, bromide, iodide, and fluoride. Film capacity, solution double layer capacity, and resistance data determined from the oscillograms using the electrical analog (see PDF for diagram) is presented where Cd and Rd are the capacity and resistance of the Helmholtz‐Gouy double layer. The effect of specific adsorption of anions and the physical nature of the film on the magnesium electrode are discussed.