Anodic passivation of tin in sodium hydroxide solutions

The passivating processes at a tin anode in NaOH solutions have been investigated by voltammetry. The effects of varying sweep rate, rotation speed, concentration of NaOH and the potential limits have been studied. The results indicate that primary passivation is the results of a dissolution—precipitation mechanism involving the blocking of the electrode by Sn(II) species. There is evidence that during secondary passivation there is not only oxidation of Sn(II) to Sn(IV) species but alos the direct oxidation of Sn to Sn(IV) solution soluble species. At more positive potentials dehydration of the film may occur and result in a more efficient passivation. A possible explanation is advanced for observed current oscillations.