Cell reversal of the zinc/iron system in sodium bicarbonate and sodium nitrate solutions

Abstract

Reversal in the zinc/iron galvanic cell occurs in aerated solutions of both sodium bicarbonate and sodium nitrate.

The sodium nitrate reversal occurs over the temperature range from 25 °C to 80 °C. The time to reversal and the stability of the reversed cell are concentration and temperature dependent. The most rapid and stable reversal at 80 °C occurs in 0.1 mM solution. At room temperature the role of the electrodes cycles, but the long-term tendency is for the zinc to become the cathode in the system.