A thin-film coating consisting of Zr(IV) and octadecyl phosphonate provides inhibition of O-2 reduction for AA2024-T3. The coating procedure produces films with thicknesses approaching that of a self-assembled monolayer. Using constant-potential experiments, the current density for the O-2 reduction reaction has been shown to decrease by 2 orders of magnitude following five treatments. Auger electron spectroscopy of the coating shows that both Zr and phosphorus are present at the alloy surface following treatment. Characterization of the coating shows it to be hydrophobic, with the octadecyl chains being in a liquid-like environment. (c) 2007 The Electrochemical Society.