The surface chemistry of corrosion and passivation plays a crucial role in determining the durability and lifespan of metals in various environmental conditions. Corrosion is the process of deterioration of metals due to chemical reactions with their environment, while passivation is the formation of a protective oxide layer on the metal surface that prevents further corrosion. Both processes are influenced by factors such as the type of metal, the presence of impurities, and the environmental conditions e.g., temperature, humidity, and presence of corrosive agents .Corrosion occurs when a metal reacts with its environment to form metal oxides, hydroxides, or salts. This process is electrochemical in nature, involving the transfer of electrons between the metal and its environment. The rate of corrosion depends on the metal's reactivity, the presence of impurities, and the environmental conditions. For example, iron corrodes rapidly in the presence of water and oxygen, forming iron oxide rust , while aluminum forms a protective oxide layer alumina that prevents further corrosion.Passivation, on the other hand, is a process that forms a thin, protective oxide layer on the metal surface, which prevents further corrosion. This layer is typically formed by the reaction of the metal with oxygen in the environment. The effectiveness of passivation depends on the stability and adherence of the oxide layer, as well as the environmental conditions. For example, stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion due to the formation of a stable chromium oxide layer on its surface.Experimental evidence supporting the role of surface chemistry in corrosion and passivation can be found in numerous studies. For example, a study by S. S. Azim et al. 2014 investigated the corrosion behavior of carbon steel in different environmental conditions, including the presence of chloride ions and varying pH levels. The results showed that the corrosion rate increased with increasing chloride concentration and decreasing pH, indicating the importance of environmental factors in the corrosion process.Another study by M. Pourbaix 1974 examined the corrosion and passivation behavior of various metals, including iron, chromium, and nickel, in aqueous solutions. The results demonstrated that the formation of protective oxide layers on the metal surface played a crucial role in preventing corrosion. The stability of these oxide layers was found to depend on factors such as the metal's composition, the presence of impurities, and the environmental conditions.In conclusion, the surface chemistry of corrosion and passivation significantly affects the durability and lifespan of metals in different environmental conditions. Corrosion is influenced by factors such as the metal's reactivity, the presence of impurities, and the environmental conditions, while passivation depends on the stability and adherence of the protective oxide layer. Experimental evidence from various studies supports the importance of these processes in determining the corrosion resistance of metals. Therefore, understanding the surface chemistry of corrosion and passivation is essential for designing and selecting materials with improved durability and lifespan in various applications and environments.