The electrode potential is one of the most important parameters in the thermodynamics and kinetics of corrosion. This article discusses the fundamentals of electrode potentials and illustrates the thermodynamics of chemical equilibria by using the hydrogen potential scale and the Nernst equation. It describes galvanic cell reactions and corrosion reactions in an aqueous solution in an electrochemical cell. The article explores the most common cathodic reactions encountered in metallic corrosion in aqueous systems. The reactions included are proton reduction, water reduction, reduction of dissolved oxygen, metal ion reduction, and metal deposition. The article also presents the standard equilibrium potentials measured at 25 deg C relative to a standard hydrogen electrode for various metal-ion electrodes in a tabular form.

This article provides an overview of the degradation of metals and alloys in aqueous systems. The importance of the hydrogen ion lies in its ability to interact with an alloy surface. The article describes the effects of various conditions of pH on corrosion including strongly acid conditions, near-neutral conditions, and strongly basic conditions as well as the effects of temperature on corrosion. The influence of the fluid flow rate on corrosion depends on the alloy, fluid components, fluid physical properties, geometry in which the fluid is contained, and corrosion mechanism. The article discusses the influence of fluid flow rate through specific examples. It concludes with information on how the concentration of dissolved species works with other variables to influence corrosion behavior.