An investigation of the potentiostatic current oscillation during the anodic dissolution of iron in sulfuric acid

A dynamical system analysis is presented to disclose the origin of current oscillation during the anodic dissolution of iron in sulfuric acid. The threshold of the electrochemical oscillatory dynamical regime is discussed in the parameter plane. The necessary electrode potential for oscillation increases as the stirring speed of the electrolyte solution increases and there is a critical stirring speed above which stable limit cycle oscillation cannot appear. The polarization curve is calculated and there is a limiting current plateau. There is an electrode potential interval within which the non-equilibrium steady state is unstable and the system oscillates before the potential reaches the limiting current plateau region. The limiting current increases with increasing stirring speed.