Localised dissolution of iron in buffered and non-buffered chloride containing solutions

► We study effects of pH and [Cl-] on Epit and ET of pure Fe in aqueous solutions. ► Epit and ET decrease linearly with increasing logarithm of [Cl-]. ► ET does not increase with increasing pH caused by borate or OH- anions. ► The OH- anion is the more efficient inhibitor than the borate anions. ► Both species act by increasing the i.x product required to sustain stable pit growth.