Methods to accelerate copper oxidation: high-temperature heating, high electrochemical corrosion, and contact with acid, alkali, and salt solutions

1. Copper undergoes oxidation reaction during high-temperature heating

High temperature refers to a temperature above 800 ℃ that cannot be reached by ordinary flames. In the laboratory, alcohol spray lamps are commonly used to provide high temperature conditions. Only used when solid reacts with solid or inert gas, and when solid decomposes.

Heating refers to a temperature below 800 ℃, which can be achieved by a typical flame. In the laboratory, an alcohol lamp is generally used to provide heating conditions. Heating conditions are often used as conditions for the oxidation of inactive metals and can also act as catalysts, as well as decompose solids.

2. High electrochemical corrosion of metallic copper

When impure metals come into contact with electrolyte solutions, a primary cell reaction occurs, and more reactive metals lose electrons and are oxidized. This type of corrosion is called electrochemical corrosion. The corrosion of copper blocks in humid air is the most prominent example of electrochemical corrosion.

Copper blocks are not easily corroded in dry air for a long time, but they quickly corrode in humid air. Originally, in the humid air, a thin water film was adsorbed on the surface of the copper block, which contained a small amount of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, as well as dissolved gases such as oxygen. As a result, an electrolyte solution was formed on the surface of the steel, which, together with the iron and a small amount of carbon in the steel, formed countless tiny primary batteries. In these primary batteries, copper is the negative electrode and carbon is the positive electrode. Copper loses electrons and is oxidized. Electrochemical corrosion is the main cause of steel corrosion.

3. Copper reacts with acid solution before reacting with oxygen. After contact with acid, alkali, and salt solutions, it reacts with oxygen.