Electrochemical behaviour of the antimony electrode in sulphuric acid solutions—II. Formation and properties of the primary anodic layer

The formation of an anodic layer during the oxidation of antimony in sulphuric acid solutions as well as the structure and properties of the layer have been studied using linear sweep voltammetry, potentiostatic oxidation, ac impedance measurements, X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical investigations as well as the shape of the impedance spectra during electrode passivation indicate that the surface layer probably has a complicated structure. Under the conditions of these experiments the passivating film is mainly amorphous, gel-like, exhibiting good ionic conductivity and a relatively high dissolution rate. Assuming that the anodic layer consists mainly of antimony hydroxide a reaction scheme for the growth and dissolution of this film is presented.