9: The Nernst Equation and Pourbaix Diagrams
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Learning Objectives
On completion of this TLP you should:
- Introduce and explain the basic ideas of electrochemistry, including electrochemical potentials, half cell reactions and equilibria.
- Describe the mechanisms of aqueous corrosion
- Derive the Nernst equation and show how it can be used to derive Pourbaix diagrams.
- Explain the information contained in a Pourbaix diagram, and demonstrate how this can be used to predict corrosion behaviour.
Before you start
This TLP is largely self-explanatory, but a basic knowledge of logarithms and thermodynamics may be of some help. A general introduction to relevant thermodynamics can be found here.