Current oscillations of iron in p-toluenesulfonic acid

Abstract

The periodic current oscillations of an iron electrode in p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) solutions were investigated by cyclic volatammetry and potentiostatic polarization. The Fe/PTSA system is a new electrochemical oscillator and shows some interesting phenomena. The oscillations are ascribed to the alternate buildup and breakdown of Fe(OH)2 and Fe3O4 films.

Keywords

• iron
• electrodissolution
• p-toluenesulfonic acid
• current oscillation
• pH dependence