The gradual reduction (decomposition) of metals due to chemical and electrochemical interactions is called corrosion, which causes significant financial losses to industries every year. For example, in water systems, various types of corrosion are defined as an electrochemical process.

Corrosion of metals is the process in which metals reach their original oxidation numbers. In fact, corrosion of metals is an oxidation-reduction reaction in which the metal is oxidized by its surroundings. Typically, oxygen from the air acts as the oxidant in these processes.