Interaction of surfaces of metals and alloys with electromagnetic radiation produces several interesting phenomena, including electronic transitions, molecular rotation and vibration within bonds, polarisation, or photochemical reactions. Spectroscopy is an essential tool that provides some structural information about these interactions. In corrosion, spectroscopic techniques are often employed for mechanistic determinations, especially in the presence of corrosion inhibitors. In this chapter, we have examined some spectroscopic methods that are useful for corrosion monitoring and corrosion inhibition. More emphasis is placed on sample preparation, output parameters, interpretation of results and possible deductions/predictions, which could be made from obtained results than on the underlying principles and mode of equipment operation. Attempts are also made to critically examine some literature, hence readers (early career researchers) and experts in the field will find this chapter very resourceful and a ready reference material.
Part of the book: Corrosion