Magnetic field effects on the active dissolution of iron

The impact of superimposed magnetic fields on the behavior of iron in 0.05 M H2SO4 at low anodic polarization was investigated by means of potentiostatic polarization measurements. Significant magnetic field effects were observed even though the active dissolution reaction in the investigated potential region is formally charge transfer controlled. The current density can be enhanced or reduced dependent on the magnetic field to electrode configuration. The results are discussed in terms of the magnetic field impact on the surface pH value during the anodic dissolution. Our findings are likely to have important consequences for the life-time prediction of ferromagnetic components in electromagnetic devices and for future studies on magneto-electrodeposition processes.

► Magnetic field effect on the formally charge transfer controlled active dissolution. ► Lorentz force reduces; field gradient force enhances active dissolution. ► Lorentz force enhances; field gradient force reduces transition dissolution. ► Fe surface coverage with Fe(OH)2,ads autocatalytic.