Electrode roughness effect on the electrode-electrolyte interface DC current-potential curves

The current-potential curve of an electrode-electrolyte interface is affected by the surface rugosity degree shown by stainless steel electrodes (type used: AISI 304). Our results indicate that the greater the rugosity, the lower the exchange current, which ranges from a maximum of 2.46×10^-5 to a minimum of 3.85×10^-7 [A/cm²]. This phenomenon could be used as a tool to quantify how well a metallic surface is polished.