A Proposed Activation Mechanism for Al-Zn-In Anodes

Abstract In the Al - Zn - In alloys, we show that indium 3+ ions produced by the anode consumption, plate back on the anode surface. This reaction detaches locally the oxide film from the metal, which shifts the potential in the active direction. To produce indium 3+ ions, indium has to be formerly in solid solution, with aluminium, indium precipitates are inactives.