Methanol Induced Corrosion: Multifaceted Nature and Challenges in Various Industrial Settings

Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of methanol-induced corrosion, focusing on its implications in various industrial sectors. Starting with an introduction to methanol and its widespread applications, the discussion delves into the corrosion processes in methanol solutions, elucidating the mechanisms of anodic dissolution of metals and the formation of metal and oxide nanoparticles. Furthermore, the chapter examines stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in methanol, exploring instances of SCC in carbon steels and pipelines. Afterward, the corrosion behavior of various metals in methanol environments has been extensively discussed, revealing significant insights into the factors influencing corrosion rates and mechanisms. Nickel, titanium alloy, iron, and aluminum exhibit diverse corrosion responses in methanol solutions, influenced by parameters such as water content, acidity, chloride concentration, and temperature. At the end, corrosion in fuel cells utilizing methanol, particularly in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have been described. Surface modification techniques, such as coatings and nanostructured layers, have been explored to enhance the corrosion resistance of stainless steel (SS) bipolar plates in DMFCs, with promising results. Methanol concentration plays a crucial role in the corrosion behavior of metals, affecting both performance and efficiency. Understanding these corrosion mechanisms is essential for optimizing fuel cell designs and materials for various industrial applications.