The role of electron transfer in oxydation of metals.

The reaction between a metal and oxygen may be considered to take place in a series of sequential steps, one of which, being much slower than the rest, may be said to determine the reaction rate. In order to determine this rate controlling step and the oxidation mechanism, it is essential to carry out experiments in which the oxidation kinetics are altered in response to a well-defined change in conditions. Having the above point in mind, the effect of external electric currents on protective oxidation (10[4]A) films of copper and nickel oxides. It is concluded that this technique may be useful in following the build-up of electron barriers within the oxide