From surface acidity to surface reactivity; inhibition of oxide dissolution

Paul Schindler's early work on the acid-base chemistry of oxides was instrumental for the development of the concept of surface complexation. This approach has not only been important in establishing a theory on the adsorption of metal ions and ligands as a function of pH and solution variables, but has become essential in establishing surface speciation (coordinative structural and electronic arrangement at the solidwater interface) which in turn determines surface reactivity. The factors that affect dissolution of Fe(III) (hydr)oxides and inhibition of dissolution are discussed. A few examples for the inhibition of reductive and ligand-promoted dissolution by binuclear complexes of oxoanions (phosphate, borate) and of protonpromoted dissolution by Cr(III) are given.