Study of the Formation of Surface-Oxidized Layers Using Diffusion

Under the effect of oxidative agents, oxidized layers form on the metal surfaces. The mechanism of the formation of the oxidized layer can be studied easily by labeling one of the reaction partners (e. g., the oxidative agent) with its radioac­tive isotope. The distribution of the radioactive isotopes resulting in the different oxide formation mechanisms is schematically shown in Figure 9.10. The study of the activity profile, such as by autoradiography as described in Section 14.5.2, gives information on the mechanism and rate-determining step of oxidation reactions.