Self-healing protective films were prepared on a zinc electrode previously treated in a Ce(NO3)(3) solution by modification with Na3PO4 and Ce(NO3)(3.) The protective and self-healing abilities of the films were examined by polarization measurements and observation of pit formation after the electrode was scratched with a knife-edge crosswise and immersed in oxygenated 0.5 M NaCl at 30 degreesC for many hours. Mechanisms of the protective and self-healing activities were discussed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron-probe microanalysis. The protective and self-healing abilities of the films prepared on the zinc electrode by treatment in the Ce(NO3)(3) solution and modification with Na3PO4 Plus Ca(NO3)(2), Mg(NO3)(2), Zn(NO3)(2) or Ce(NO3)(3) were summarized. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.