Corrosion and Passive Layers of 316L Stainless Steel in the Context of PEMFC Application

• DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/adbfc6
• Publication Date: 2025-03-12T22:51:41Z
• Authors: Oliver Thimm; Sylvain Brimaud

Abstract Aiming at a better understanding of the corrosion resistance stainless steel within frame its use for bipolar plates in proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications, model electrochemical investigations were conducted well-defined experimental conditions on 316L grade steel. Passive films grown electrochemically various potentials an aqueous electrolyte pH 3, and semi-conducting characteristics thicknesses determined via impedance spectroscopy methods. A restructuring passive film formed under polarization takes place after rest open circuit potential, resulting current densities measured with technique, providing non invasive quantification, way to establish direct interrelationships electrochemically. For first time, found scale exponentially apparent acceptor charge carrier density (NA) associated defects Cr-oxide layer demonstrating NA’s pivotal role steels. The native oxide pristine sample systematically established film, highlighting environmental gap existing formation SS.