As proposed in Part I of this paper, the accelerating effect of thiocyanate on active dissolution of stainless steel in acid sulfate solution occurs by adsorption of sulfur on the steel surface, causing accelerated dissolution of chromium from the steel surface. Surface analysis (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) was performed on pure chromium and nickel, a high-purity Fe-20wt% Cr alloy and Type 430 and Type 304 stainless steel to test the proposed mechanism. Surface analysis of the Fe-20wt% Cr alloy and stainless steels (Types 430 and 304) confirmed that chromium enriched on the metal surface during anodic dissolution in thiocyanate-free solution and that the surface enrichment of chromium was smaller in thiocyanate-containing solution. Surface analysis also confirmed the formation of sulfide or adsorbed sulfur on the Fe-20wt% Cr alloy in thiocyanate-containing solution. Surface restructuring of sulfide-covered electrode (Type 304 stainless steel and nickel) was the possible reason why increased anodic current density was observed immediately following interruption of anodic polarization for periods of 5 s to 120 s. (C) 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.069211jes] All rights reserved.