Electrochemical Frequency Modulation: Solution Resistance and Double Layer Capacitance Considerations

The objective of this study was to evaluate total current under steady-state conditions for a material undergoing corrosion using the electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM) technique, taking into account the presence of solution resistance and double layer capacitance. The analysis involving linearization of the Tafel curve allowed for the estimation of corrosion parameters. Results showed that the output signal was dependent on fundamental frequencies and their multiples. In addition, the output signal almost manifested itself at frequencies that were sums of fundamental frequencies of the applied sinusoidal signal. The harmonics calculated showed a significant shift from the principal frequency of input signals. The investigation involved the influence of corrosion current and anode-to-cathode Tafel slope ratio on faradaic and non-faradaic currents (including the average and RMS). The model presented showed both qualitative and quantitative improvements over the previously developed EFM technique that ignored the influence of solution resistance and the double layer capacitance while assuming the applied DC potential corresponded to the corrosion potential of the corroding material