Role of humic substances in the formation of nanosized particles of iron corrosion products

The corrosion of metallic iron in aqueous solutions of humic substances (HS) with limited access to air is studied. The HS are found to exhibit multiple functions. Acid–base, redox, and surfactant properties, along with the ability to form complexes with iron in solution, are displayed in the corrosion process. Partial reduction of the HS during the corrosion reaction and their adsorption onto the main corrosion product (Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles) are observed.