ABSTRACT
Data on the structure of thin anodic oxide films (passive films) formed on well-defined single-crystal surfaces of nonnoble metals (Fe, Al, Cu, Ni, Cr, FeCr, and FeCrNi) are reviewed, with emphasis on atomic scale information obtained by scanning tunneling microscopy. The following aspects are considered: the growth mechanism of the thin anodic oxide films and the role of the substrate defects, the crystallinity of the passive layers and the nature of the defects, and the effect of potential and aging under polarization on the structure and composition of passive films.
