Dissemination of IT for the Promotion of Materials Science (DoITPoMS)

DoITPoMS Teaching & Learning Packages The Nernst Equation and Pourbaix Diagrams Construction of a Pourbaix Diagram
The Nernst Equation and Pourbaix Diagrams AimsBefore you startIntroductionBackgroundThe Nernst equationConstruction of a Pourbaix DiagramAnatomy of a Pourbaix DiagramExamples of a Pourbaix DiagramConstructing a 3D Pourbaix DiagramSummaryQuestionsGoing further
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Construction of a Pourbaix Diagram

A Pourbaix diagram plots the equilibrium potential (Ee) between a metal and its various oxidised species as a function of pH.

The extent of half-cell reactions that describe the dissolution of metal

M  =  Mz+  +  ze-

depend on various factors, including the potential, E, pH and the concentration of the oxidised species, Mz+. The Pourbaix diagram can be thought of as analogous to a phase diagram of an alloy, which plots the lines of equilibrium between different phases as temperature and composition are varied.

To plot a Pourbaix diagram the relevant Nernst equations are used. As the Nernst equation is derived entirely from thermodynamics, the Pourbaix diagram can be used to determine which species is thermodynamically stable at a given E and pH. It gives no information about the kinetics of the corrosion process.

Constructing a Pourbaix Diagram

The following animation illustrates how a Pourbaix diagram is constructed from first principles, using the example of Zinc.

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