THE MECHANISM OF THE IRON ELECTRODE AND THE ATOMISTIC STRUCTURE OF IRON SURFACES

Kink densities at monoatomic steps on (211) iron surfaces increase with the electrode potential E according to dE/d ln x//k equals RT/F during the dissolution of iron in acid perchlorate solution. Surfaces vicinal to (110) develop extended (110) planes connected by (211) terraces. Step distances x//s are independent of electrode potential but decrease with pH according to d log x//s/d pH equals minus 0. 6. The findings are in perfect agreement with predictions from the catalytic mechanism of the iron electrode and clearly contradict the consecutive charge transfer mechanism. The specific edge energy of monoatomic steps on (211) derived from the large equilibrium kink distance is in close agreement with earlier estimates from an investigation of growth pyramids.