What is the mechanism of the irradiation electrochemical effect?

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The core mechanism of the irradiation electrochemical effect can be divided into three key aspects: the medium dissociation aspect. Ionizing radiation causes media such as aqueous solutions to dissociate, generating oxidative active species such as H₂O₂ and O₂, which directly alter the redox potential of the system, drive the electrode potential to shift in a positive direction, and accelerate the cathodic reaction process. At the activated layer on the electrode surface, the atoms on the metal surface absorb radiant energy, which increases their energy and reduces the activation energy barrier for electrochemical reactions. Meanwhile, irradiation can introduce defects into the surface layer of the electrode, enhancing its surface reactivity and accelerating the rate of anodic dissolution. In terms of interface structure modification, irradiation alters the phase structure and defect distribution of the oxide film on the metal surface, adjusts the electrical conductivity of the oxide film as well as the ion diffusion pathways, and ultimately changes the overall electrochemical corrosion behavior and reaction kinetics of the material.