Benzotriazole and cerium chloride as corrosion inhibitors for AA2024-T3: An EIS investigation supported by SVET and ToF-SIMS analysis

The inhibitive effects provided by benzotriazole (BTA) and cerium chloride (CeCl3) on 2024-T3 aluminium alloy were assessed, individually and combined, in 0.05 M NaCl electrolytes, by means of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). From the analysis of impedance fitted parameters, a synergistic effect appears to exist between both inhibitors until 14 days of immersion. The Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique (SVET) was applied to an Al/Cu galvanic coupling model in order to better comprehend the observed inhibitive actions. Additionally, Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was employed to evaluate the indepth distribution of species related to the inhibitive film/alloy interface.