Method of developing Thermo–Kinetic diagrams: The Cu–H(2)O–acetate and the Cu-H(2)O systems

A method to develop thermo-kinetic (TK) diagrams for the Cu−H(2)O−acetate and Cu−H(2)O systems is described. Conventional E(h)-pH diagrams, also known as Pourbaix diagrams, are developed based on the thermodynamic stability of component species, typically in aqueous media. TK diagrams are an improvement on E(h)-pH diagrams as they also describe the kinetics of electrochemical processes. These diagrams are developed by using data from linear scan voltammetry of Cu rotating disk electrodes exposed to aqueous media of different pH. By applying the same procedure, the TK diagrams can be developed for other metals or mineral systems exposed to aqueous media containing ligands. To ensure reproducibility and reconstruction of the TK diagrams for other metal/mineral/electrolyte systems, some important experimental considerations are highlighted in this study. These TK diagrams are useful to evaluate the corrosion of metals, the leaching performance of minerals and to predict the suitable conditions for metal recycling processes. Briefly, this article explains: • Important experimental considerations that could affect the kinetics of electrochemical processes. • A method to construct TK diagrams with examples of the Cu−H(2)O−acetate and Cu−H(2)O systems. • With overlaid E(h)-pH diagrams, TK diagrams explain both the thermodynamic stability of component species and the kinetics of the electrochemical processes.