Dating archaeological copper/bronze artifacts by using the voltammetry of microparticles.

A method for dating copper/bronze archaeological objects aged in atmospheric environments is proposed based on the specific signals for cuprite and tenorite corrosion products measured through the voltammtry of microparticles method. The tenorite/cuprite ratio increased with the corrosion time and fitted to a potential law that yielded a calibration curve usable for dating purposes.

Layer-by-layer identification of copper alteration products in metallic works of art using the voltammetry of microparticles.

An in situ technique for layer-by-layer electrochemical analysis of solid surfaces using the voltammetry of microparticles is presented. The method is based on the determination of several shape-dependent parameters for voltammetric curves recorded at a graphite pencil working electrode in contact with the sample, all immersed into aqueous electrolytes. Repetitive square wave voltammetry and sequential application of constant potential reductive steps and voltammetric scans yield discernible responses for the corrosion products distributed in stratified layers on metal-based surfaces.