Atomic emission spectroelectrochemistry (AESEC) was used to quantify simultaneously the rates of Sn dissolution and SnO(2) film formation for Sn and Sn coated steel in carbonate solution at pH 11.2. The technique is demonstrated by applying different potentiostatic treatments (variable potential and time) and measuring the amount of oxide formed and Sn dissolved during the treatment, and subsequently measuring the open circuit dissolution rate following the treatment. It is observed that the degree of passivation is a strong function of potential and time. Cathodic and low potential anodic potentiostatic treatments lead to a dissolution-precipitation mechanism that does not significantly passivate the surface. The stability of the passive film was investigated as a function of the quantity of oxide generated. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.