A thermometric study of the dissolution of copper in acid solutions

The dissolution of Cu in solutions of HNO₃ of different concentrations has been studied by the thermometric method. Starting from the initial temperature, T_i, the temperature—time curves exhibit an induction period followed by a rapid rise in temperature to a maximum value, T_m, attained t min after the start of the reaction. T_m increases and t decreases with increase of the acid concentration, M. ΔT (i.e.T_m ? T_i) and the reaction number (R.N. = (T_m ? T_i)/t) vary with M according to: ΔT = k(M ? M₀) and R.N. = A₁Mⁿ, where k, M₀, A₁ and n are constants.The effect of varying concentrations of HCl, H₂SO₄ and H₃PO₄ on the R.N. of Cu in 3.5 M HNO₃ was examined. Small amounts of these acids lower the R.N. (inhibition) due to the displacement of an active species on the surface of the metal by the anion of the acid. Larger additions of the acids accelerate dissolution. The concentration at which the added acid changes from corrosion-inhibitor to accelerator varies as HCl < H₂SO₄ < H₃PO₄. This sequence is considered to parallel the strength of adsorption of the respective anions. The results of experiments with salt additions confirm this view; all salts act only as dissolution-retardants. Calculations pertaining to the effect of the various ions on the R.N. support the conclusion that the dissolution of Cu in HNO₃ is autocatalytic in nature, and depends on the H⁺]/NO₃^?] ratio.Cu does not dissolve in air-free, cold HCl. Attack takes place, however, in the presence of KNO₃. Under these conditions attack is of the pitting- rather than the general type. The temperature rises suddenly after an incubation period, which decreases in length with increase of the amount of the added salt.Proof of the involvement of HNO₂ in the autocatalytic cycle of Cu dissolution in HNO₃ is obtained from the results of urea additions to the solution.