Electrochemical study of the chromium electrode behaviour in borate buffer solution

The electrochemical behaviour of the chromium electrode in borate buffer solution (pH 9.3) was studied by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Chromium passivity was observed over a broad potential region, from −1.0 to 0.5 V vs SCE. The passivation process took place in two steps: formation of a chromium oxide monolayer and transition of chromium to a higher valence state. The anodic film exhibited the properties of a p-type semiconductor. Transpassive dissolution of chromium occurred at 0.5 V vs SCE, with two reaction intermediates present, CrCrIII and Crad4+.