Effect of free carbon dioxide on corrosion behavior of copper in simulated water

The effect of free carbon dioxide on the copper corrosion-behavior has been investigated by the immersion tests with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The copper corrosion-rate increased with the concentration of the free carbon dioxide. The free carbon dioxide continuously provides water with H+ ions if the CO2 gas existed in the atmosphere. The production of H+ might assist the reduction of the dissolved oxygen to start the oxidation of copper. This might be the reason why the free carbon dioxide promotes the oxidation of copper.