3. Interfacial kinetics of electrochemical processes

When an electronically conductive electrode is connected to an electrical generator, electrons can be withdrawn (or injected), thus disturbing the interfacial equilibrium. The latter responds spontaneously by attempting to oppose the cause of the imbalance. The electrochemical reaction thus takes place in either direction, with a current flowing through the interface.

• If the electrode is connected to the generator's positive terminal, the metal atoms will dissolve at the interface, leaving their electrons in the conduction band in an attempt to compensate for those withdrawn: this is the anodic dissolution of the metal. If the electrode is "unattackable" by the electrolyte, the metal will not dissolve, and it is the negative particles adsorbed in the electrical double layer (anions and dipoles) that will oxidize anodically....