Determination of time dependence of passive layer on nickel from instantaneous mass/charge function F(dm/dQ) in competitive passivation/dissolution conditions

Nickel metal deposited on gold electrodes was studied in the passivity range of potentials under potentiostatic conditions and in a weakly acid sulphate medium. Mass and current variations during electrochemical experiments were analysed with the help of the instantaneous mass/charge ratio (Fdm/dQ). This analysis allows to obtain the intensity current component associated to the formation of a passive layer of Ni(OH)2, and, in this way, the experimental thickness growth. These experimental findings have been fitted to a theoretical model based on the point defect model theory for obtaining the time dependence of the thickness of the passive layer during the first stages of growth of the passive layer.