Corrosion Resistance Research Articles

Stainless Steel Mesh in Electrochemistry: Comprehensive Applications and Future Prospects.

Stainless steel mesh (SSM) has emerged as a cornerstone in electrochemical applications owing to its exemplary versatility, electrical conductivity, mechanical robustness, and corrosion resistance. This state-of-the-art review delves into the diverse roles of SSM across a spectrum of electrochemical domains, including energy conversion and storage devices, water treatment technologies, electrochemical sensors, and catalysis. We meticulously explore its deployment in supercapacitors, batteries, and fuel cells, highlighting its utility as a current collector, electrode, and separator. The review further discusses the critical significance of SSM in water treatment processes, emphasizing its efficacy in supporting membranes and facilitating electrocoagulation, as well as its novel uses in electrochemical sensing and catalysis, which include electrosynthesis and bioelectrochemistry. Each section delineates the recent advancements, identifies the inherent challenges, and suggests future directions for leveraging SSM in electrochemical technologies. This comprehensive review showcases the current state of knowledge and articulates the novel integration of SSM with emerging materials and technologies, thereby establishing a new paradigm for sustainable and efficient electrochemical applications. Through critical analysis and insightful recommendations, this review positions itself as a seminal contribution, paving the way for researchers and practitioners to harness the full potential of SSM in advancing the electrochemistry frontiers.

Assessment of blended cement containing waste basalt powder: physicomechanical and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy investigations

Basalt powder (BP) is the residue of a plant that crushes basalt stones. This work deals with the effect of waste BP on the properties of cement mortars and the physical properties of hardened mortars. Modified concrete was prepared by partial replacement of BP in amount of 5, 10, 20% by weight of cement. Physico-mechanical properties and corrosion resistance were investigated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to examine the corrosion behavior of cement pastes with a partial addition of basalt powder in aggressive solutions of 5% NaCl and 5% MgCl2 for up to 270 days. Infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were also performed to investigate the hydration process and microstructure formation of the basalt blended paste. Results indicate that the addition of basalt powder as a partial replacement of cement influences the microstructure of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), which is denser and stronger than in cement paste without basalt powder. The filler effect of the basalt powder improves the compressive strength of cement paste. Also, comparing BP0 and BP20 in 5% NaCl after 270 days, the partial substitution of cement with BP resulted in a higher compressive strength of 671 and 895 kg/cm2, respectively. The EIS results also showed the highest values of Rp 953 ohms cm2 after 270 days. This high corrosion resistance might indicate the binding by high Al2O3 that reduced the free aggressive chloride ions in the solution.

Effect of Diffusion on the Ultimate Axial Load of Complex-Shaped Al-SiC Samples: A Molecular Dynamics Study.

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) combine metal with ceramic reinforcement, offering high strength, stiffness, corrosion resistance, and low weight for diverse applications. Al-SiC, a common MMC, consists of an aluminum matrix reinforced with silicon carbide, making it ideal for the aerospace and automotive industries. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the mechanical properties of the complex-shaped models of Al-SiC. Three different volume fractions of SiC particles, precisely 10%, 15%, and 25%, are investigated in a composite under uniaxial tensile loading. The tensile behavior of Al-SiC composites is evaluated under two loading directions, considering both cases with and without diffusion effects. The results show that diffusion increases the ultimate tensile strength of the Al-SiC composite, particularly for the 15% SiC volume fraction. Regarding the shape of the SiC particles considered in this research, the strength of the composite varies in different directions. Specifically, the ultimate strength of the Al-SiC composite with 25% SiC reached 11.29 GPa in one direction, and 6.63 GPa in another, demonstrating the material's anisotropic mechanical behavior when diffusion effects are considered. Young's modulus shows negligible change in the presence of diffusion. Furthermore, diffusion improves toughness in Al-SiC composites, resulting in higher values compared to those without diffusion, as evidenced by the 25% SiC volume fraction composite (2.086 GPa) versus 15% (0.863 GPa) and 10% (1.296 GPa) SiC volume fractions.

Influence of Post-Heat Treatment on Corrosion Behaviour of Additively Manufactured CuSn10 by Laser Powder Bed Fusion.

This study investigates the influence of heat treatments on the corrosion behaviour of CuSn10 tin bronze, additively manufactured using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). LPBF enables the creation of finely structured, anisotropic microstructures, whose corrosion behaviour is not yet well understood. After production, specimens were heat-treated at 320 °C, 650 °C, and in a two-stage treatment at 800 °C and 400 °C, followed by hardness and microstructure analysis. Corrosion tests were conducted using linear polarisation, salt spray, and immersion tests. The results show that heat treatments at 320 °C and 650 °C have no significant effect on the corrosion rate, while the two-stage treatment shows a slight improvement in corrosion resistance. Differences in microstructure and hardness were observed, with higher treatment temperatures leading to grain growth and tin precipitates. The formation of a passive protective layer was detected after 30 h of OCP measurement. Results from other studies on corrosion behaviour were partially reproducible. Differences could be attributed to varying chemical compositions and manufacturing parameters. These findings contribute to the understanding of the effects of heat treatments on the corrosion resistance of additively manufactured tin bronze and provide important insights for future applications in corrosive environments.

Coupled multiple heterogeneous interfaces lychee-like FeSiAl@C@SiO2@BTA for self-healing corrosion protection and enhanced microwave absorption

Corrosion-resistant ferromagnetic absorbers (FMAs) with self-healing properties are crucial for enhancing their durability under harsh conditions. Herein, we fabricated lychee-like FeSiAl (FSA)@C@SiO2@1H-Benzotriazol (BTA) coupled with multiple heterogeneous interfaces by coating FSA with a C@SiO2@BTA layer using sol-gel, thermal reduction, and molecular encapsulation techniques. The FSA@C@SiO2@BTA showed superior microwave absorption (MA) performance than FSA, with a widest absorption bandwidth of 10.44 GHz at 1.98 mm and a maximum reflection loss of −57.81 dB at 2.98 mm. The enhanced MA performance was due to the better impedance matching and the synergistic effects of interfacial and dipole polarization induced by the C@SiO2@BTA layer. Moreover, the FSA@C@SiO2@BTA exhibited a remarkable corrosion resistance, with a corrosion rate of 3.28 × 10−10 m/s, which was two orders of magnitude lower than that of FSA, and a corrosion protection efficiency of 99.0 %. The epoxy resin coating containing FSA@C@SiO2@BTA also demonstrated a self-healing ability within 5 min after being damaged mechanically. This study presents a novel model that integrates MA, corrosion resistance, and self-healing, heralding new avenues for developing corrosion-resistant FMAs in marine applications.

Internally cooled tools: An eco-friendly approach to wear reduction in AISI 304 stainless steel machining

Austenitic stainless steel 304 is widely used in various applications due to its mechanical strength, toughness, and, most importantly, its corrosion resistance. However, machining this material presents significant challenges, primarily due to its high tendency for work hardening and generation of elevated temperatures. In the cutting process, this temperature rise can result in premature tool wear, leading to a reduction in their lifespan. To address these issues, cutting fluids are typically applied. Although this component offers advantages, it also contributes to environmental pollution, health risks, and significant costs, including disposal.Therefore, this study introduces an Internally Cooled Tool (ICT) method aimed at reducing the heat generated during machining. In this study, an analysis of tool life and wear was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of ICTs compared to conventional machining methods during the turning of austenitic stainless steel 304 using double-coated tools (AlCrN on TiAlN, PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)). Additionally, the use of ICTs in combination with lubrication (hybrid machining Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) + ICT) was also investigated. The study covered five machining atmospheres (ICT, ICT + MQL, dry, wet, MQL). Cutting conditions were kept constant, including cutting speed (vc = 400 m/min), feed rate (f = 0.1 mm/rev), and depth of cut (ap = 0.5 mm). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were conducted to examine the wear mechanisms and types present in each condition, along with statistical tests such as analysis of variance and Tukey tests to validate the experiments. The results indicated that ICTs (ICT and ICT + MQL) showed a longer tool life compared to dry machining and MQL techniques, while the wet machining method did not demonstrate significance compared to this technique. The observed wear mechanisms included abrasion, adhesion, and diffusion, with abrasion being the predominant mechanism. In summary, it was found that the durability of the inserts was directly related to coating adhesion, as coating detachment quickly led to the end of the insert's lifespan.

Enhanced strength, cytocompatibility, and corrosion resistance of biodegradable Zn-1.5Mg-0.5HA-xMn (x=1 and 1.5 wt%) composites for bone implant applications

Zn, a biodegradable metal, exhibits immense capability as a bioresorbable implant material because of its remarkable biocompatibility and stronger corrosion resistance than Mg. Nonetheless, Zn's limited mechanical strength and hardness have significantly hindered its widespread implementation. This study aimed to strengthen the mechanical, degradation resistance, and biocompatibility of zinc composites by rolling them and investigating the impact of Mn content on the material properties of Zn composites. The prepared hot rolled Zn-1.5Mg-0.5HA(hydroxyapatite)-1.5Mn (ZMR2) sample shows enhanced Ultimate tensile strength (UTS 209 MPa) and hardness (103 HV). In a PBS solution, the degradation rates of the hot-rolled sample show a consistent reduction as the content of Mn increases, reaching a rate of 0.032 mm/year. Furthermore, excellent hemocompatibility was observed for both the cast and rolled specimens. However, the rolled ZMR2 sample exhibited the lowest value (4.5 %) among the two. The cultured MG63 cells demonstrated high viability when exposed to diluted extracts (25 % and 50 % extract) of the HR ZMR2 sample from Day 1 to Day 5. In both cases, the viability exceeded 80 %, indicating the absence of any potential cytotoxic effects.

Shear Mechanism of a Novel SFCBs-Reinforced Composite Shear Connector: Experimental, Theoretical Investigations and Numerical Model.

Traditional stud and perfobond leiste (PBL) shear connectors are commonly used as load-transferring components in steel-concrete composite structures. Composite shear connectors fully utilize the advantages of traditional stud and PBL shear connectors. In order to maximize the advantages of composite shear connectors, a novel shear connector for complex environments was proposed. The steel-FRP composite bars (SFCBs) with excellent fatigue resistance and corrosion resistance were introduced to replace the steel bars. This study discussed the failure modes, load-slip curves, and load-strain curves of the composite shear connector. In addition, a finite element analysis (FEA) model was developed to analyze the influence of various factors on its shear behavior. Results showed that compared with traditional composite shear connectors, the introduction of SFCB resulted in a promotion of 7.85% in shear stiffness, and it also led to a significant increase of 63.61% in ductility, further enhancing the mechanical performance. Meanwhile, FEA models were well fitted to the test results, and parametric analysis showed variate effects on shear bearing capacity. In the end, an equation was established to calculate the shear capacity of composite shear connectors, which could provide a reference for further research and engineering applications.

Laboratory investigation on static and dynamic properties, durability, and microscopic structure of Nano-SiO2 and polypropylene fiber cemented soil under coupled seawater corrosion and cyclic loading

Cemented soils in coastal harbors are susceptible to adverse factors such as seawater corrosion and cyclic dynamic loading, which may consequently reduce their stability and durability. In recent years, Nano-SiO2(NS) has been widely used to enhance the mechanical properties of cemented soil. However, this enhancement may potentially lead to a reduction in ductility. Conversely, polypropylene fibers (PP) have attracted widespread attention for their potential to enhance the ductility of cemented soils, but their ability to improve the strength of cemented soils is limited. To address these issues, this study focused on utilizing five different nano-dosages combined with four different fiber dosages to enhance cemented soils. These enhanced soils were then subjected to curing periods of 7, 28, and 60 days in seawater environments. The study employed various tests including unconfined compressive strength tests (UCS), uniaxial cyclic loading tests, scanning electron microscopy tests (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to investigate the potential impacts of these additives on durability, strength, corrosion resistance, and microstructure evolution. The results of the study indicate that seawater corrosion and cyclic loading contribute to a reduction in the stability of cemented soils. However, the addition of NS and PP effectively enhances the compressive strength and durability of these soils. The optimal combination ratio is achieved when the dosages of NS and PP are 3.6 % and 0.8 %, respectively. In this case, the growth rate of unconfined compressive strength of cemented soils surpasses the sum of each individual dosage, increasing by 137.7 %, 245.6 %, and 235.3 % after 7, 28, and 60 days of curing, respectively. Furthermore, the growth rate of PP on the compressive strength of cemented soils remains largely unaffected by seawater corrosion. The optimal composite dosage of cemented soils effectively mitigates the increase in porosity caused by seawater corrosion. C-S-H enhances the mechanical interlocking between hydration products and PP by encapsulating PP, reducing energy transfer losses in cemented soils, and increasing their dynamic modulus. The volcanic ash reaction and nucleation effect of NS further enhance this effect, and their combined use significantly improves the seawater corrosion resistance of cemented soils.

Optimizing Bio-Implant Materials for Femur Bone Replacement:A Multi-Criteria Analysis and Finite Element Study

This study investigates and analyses alternative materials for replacing the femur bone in the human body, addressing the critical need for bio-implant materials arising from injuries, diseases, or natural deterioration. The femur, as the largest and strongest bone, is indispensable for mobility and weight support. Surgical intervention often necessitates the replacement of damaged femurs with suitable bio-implant materials. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), this study selects optimal materials considering corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, Young's modulus, fatigue strength, and tensile strength—to replace the femur. A geometric model of the femur bone is constructed using a modelling package, enabling finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the endurance and suitability of selected bio- implant materials. The FEA is conducted on two materials—stainless steel and titanium alloy—to assess their performance as femur replacements. Through comprehensive analysis, this research aims to contribute insights into the efficacy and viability of alternative bio-implant materials for femur bone replacement.

Fabrication and characterization of Ti-12Mo/xAl2O3 bio-inert composite for dental prosthetic applications.

Introduction: Titanium (Ti)-molybdenum(Mo) composites reinforced with ceramic nanoparticles have recently significant interest among researchers as a new type of bio-inert material used for dental prosthetic applications due to its biocompatibility, outstanding physical, mechanical and corrosion properties. The current work investigates the impact of alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles on the properties of the Ti-12Mo composite, including microstructure, density, hardness, wear resistance, and electrochemical behavior. Methods: Ti-12Mo/xAl2O3 nanocomposites reinforced with different Al2O3 nanoparticles content were prepared. The composition of each sample was adjusted through the mechanical milling of the elemental constituents of the sample for 24h under an argon atmosphere. The produced nanocomposite powders were then cold-pressed at 600 MPa and sintered at different temperatures (1,350°C, 1,450°C, and 1,500°C) for 90min. Based on density measurements using the Archimedes method, the most suitable sintering temperature was found to be 1,450°C. The morphology and chemical composition of the milled and sintered composites were analyzed using back-scattering scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results and Discussion: The results showed that the addition of Mo increased the Ti density from 99.11% to 99.46%, while the incorporation of 15wt% Al2O3 in the Ti-12Mo composite decreased the density to 97.28%. Furthermore, the Vickers hardness and wear behavior of the Ti-Mo composite were enhanced with the addition of up to 5 wt% Al2O3. The sample contains 5 wt% Al2O3 exhibited a Vickers hardness of 593.4HV, compared to 320HV for pure Ti, and demonstrated the lowest wear rate of 0.0367mg/min, compared to 0.307mg/min for pure Ti. Electrochemical investigations revealed that the sintered Ti-12Mo/xAl2O3 nanocomposites displayed higher corrosion resistance against a simulated artificial saliva (AS) solution than pure Ti. The concentrations of Ti, Mo, and Al ions released from the Ti-12Mo/xAl2O3 nanocomposites in the AS solution were within the safe levels. It was found from this study that; the sample of the composition Ti-12Mo/5wt%Al2O3 exhibited appropriate mechanical properties, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance against the AS solution with acceptable ion concentration released in the biological fluids. Therefore, it can be considered as a new bio-inert material for potential applications in dental prosthetics.

Corrosion Resistance of Biodegradable Zinc Surfaces Enhanced by UV-Grafted Polydimethylsiloxane Coating.

Improved living conditions have led to an increase in life expectancy worldwide. However, as people age, the risk of vascular disease tends to increase due to the accumulation and buildup of plaque in arteries. Vascular stents are used to keep blood vessels open. Biodegradable stents are designed to provide a temporary support vessel that gradually degrades and is absorbed by the body, leaving behind healed blood vessels. However, biodegradable metals can suffer from reduced mechanical strength and/or inflammatory response, both of which can affect the rate of corrosion. Therefore, it is essential to achieve a controlled and predictable degradation rate. Here, we demonstrate that the corrosion resistance of biodegradable Zn surfaces is improved by electroless deposition of zinc hydroxystannate followed by UV-grafting with silicone oil (PDMS). Potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, respiratory kinetic measurements, and long-term immersion in three simulated body fluids were applied. Although zinc hydroxystannate improves the corrosion resistance of Zn to some extent, it introduces a high surface area with hydroxyl units used to UV-graft PDMS molecules. Our results demonstrate that hydrophobic PDMS causes a 3-fold reduction in corrosion of Zn-based materials in biological environments and reduces cytotoxicity through the uncontrolled release of Zn ions.

The corrosion inhibition performance and mechanism of α-benzoin oxime on copper: A comprehensive study of experiments and DFT calculations

Copper corrosion poses a significant challenge to process stability and chip quality in the field of integrated circuit manufacturing. This study comprehensively explored the corrosion inhibition performance of α-benzoin oxime (bzoxH2) on copper, by employing a combination of experimental methods and computational chemistry. First, after the addition of 0.1 mM bzoxH2, the static etching rate and surface roughness of copper were decreased to 7 Å·min−1 and 1.36 nm, respectively, which indicated that bzoxH2 could reduce the corrosion rate of copper and improve its surface quality. Subsequently, electrochemical behavior analysis showed that the addition of 0.1 mM bzoxH2 resulted in an increase in open circuit potential to 0.185 V, a decrease in corrosion current density to 2.33 µA·cm−2, an increase in polarization resistance to 10589 Ω·cm2, and a high corrosion inhibition efficiency of 96.88 %, suggesting that bzoxH2 significantly enhances the corrosion resistance of copper. Furthermore, studies based on adsorption isotherm models indicated that the adsorption behavior of bzoxH2 on the copper surface formed a dense passivation film through the combination of physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms. This effectively enhanced the corrosion resistance of copper and provided robust protection against corrosion. Finally, the use of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy technology, along with an in-depth exploration of the geometric structure and chemical reactivity of the bzoxH2 molecule, revealed its complex interaction with specific active sites on the copper surface. These findings provided valuable theoretical insights, along with practical guidance for the development of metal corrosion inhibitors.

Strategic Development of Ni–Cu–Fe2O3 Composite Coatings to Strengthen Mild Steel Against Corrosion

Mild steel is extensively employed in various industries due to its affordability and versatility. However, its susceptibility to corrosion poses a significant challenge. This study explores the efficacy of protecting mild steel by applying coatings composed of highly noble copper and its alloys. In this direction, Ni–Cu alloy and Ni–Cu–Fe2O3 coating have been developed from a sulfate citrate bath on mild steel through the electrodeposition method. The alloy and composite coating deposition was done at different current densities 1 A dm−2, 2 A dm−2, 3 A dm−2, and 4 A dm−2. The copper content of the coating has increased with an increase in current density in both alloy and composite coatings. The deposit with a high Copper content showed lower crystallite size with a lower corrosion rate value at a current density of 3 A dm−2. The trace addition of Fe2O3 into the Ni–Cu alloy matrix has improved the overall corrosion resistance of the mild steel materials as compared to bare Ni–Cu alloy coating.

Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Inhibitor Efficiency of Eucalyptus globulus Leaf Essential Oil (EuEO) on Mild Steel Corrosion in a Molar Hydrochloric Acid Medium.

As a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in a molar hydrochloric acid medium, we investigated the potential of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil (EuEO). Through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization curves, and theoretical methods, including DFT/B3LYP 6-31G (d, p) and Monte Carlo simulations, the interactions between the EuEO components and the steel surface were analyzed. D-Allose, Betulinaldehyde, and Uvaol were identified as the major active compounds in the GC-MS analysis. The experimental results showed that EuEO reached an inhibitory efficiency as high as 97% at a 1 g/L concentration. The findings suggest that EuEO operates as a mixed-type inhibitor, reducing both cathodic and anodic reactions, as well as building up a protective coating on the steel surface. Simulations also confirmed that EuEO molecules function as electron donors and acceptors, enhancing corrosion resistance.

Sulphuric precipitates in novel titanium-based, sulphur-bearing bulk metallic glass – a BMG composite?

ABSTRACT New titanium-based metallic glasses containing sulphur as a key element have recently been developed and are the subject of ongoing research related to the effects of sulphur introduction into glass-forming alloy systems. Here we report on the formation of sulphuric precipitates during solidification of a Ti40Zr35Cu17S8 alloy and on the occurrence of secondary intermetallic compound crystallization starting in sulphur-depleted zones around the precipitates. The alloy is a promising metallic glass for use as a structural and biomedical material as it shows a high yield strength and good corrosion resistance paired with a low density. The role of sulphur for the glass formation in the Ti-Zr-Cu-S system is discussed and specimens quenched into different structural states are investigated by means of high-energy synchrotron diffraction and electron microscopy. The electron microscopic findings reveal that sulphuric precipitates precede the crystallization of an intermetallic (Ti, Zr)2Cu phase, which is the primary phase when sulphur is not present in the system and thus lead to a higher glass-forming ability. The sulphuric precipitates are found in specimens of various casting thickness and differ in their volume percentages depending on the size of the cast sample, while the secondary phase (Ti, Zr)2Cu crystallizes heterogeneously in the interfaces between the sulphuric precipitates and the local matrix.

Effects of polyimide on corrosion and wear resistance of PEO composite coating on AZ91 Mg alloy

The accelerated deterioration resulting from microscopic defects in Mg alloy PEO coatings is a notable issue. This study introduced a PEO/PI composite coating on the surface of AZ91 Mg alloy PEO coating through coating method, aiming to enhance its corrosion resistance and wear resistance. The findings indicated that as the coating time increases, the surface micropores sealed and filled by the PI coating. This led to a positive shift in the corrosion potential of the composite coating, a significant decrease in corrosion current density by three orders of magnitude, and a marked improvement in corrosion resistance. The strong adhesion of the PI coating to the PEO surface acted as a lubricant, making the composite coating self-lubricating. Additionally, PI's excellent high temperature resistance ensured that surface wear was not induced by elevated temperatures resulting from localized friction.

Effect of Ti3SiC2 concentration on corrosion resistance and ICR in bipolar plates composite ceramic coatings

Ti3SiC2, a MAX-phase ceramic, amalgamates metallic and ceramic traits, delivering exceptional electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. In this research, Ti3SiC2 composite coatings were applied to 316 L stainless steel via low-power atmospheric plasma spraying (APS), aiming to bolster the electrical and corrosion resistance attributes of bipolar plates (BPPs). A power input of 15 kW notably enhanced coating density, yielding a Ti3SiC2 concentration of 19.2 wt% in the coating. Extremes in the spraying power led to either diminished deposition efficiency or a reduction of Ti3SiC2 mass fraction below 5 wt%. Tafel curves demonstrated that specimens with elevated Ti3SiC2 mass fractions exhibited robust corrosion resistance, characterized by a self-corrosion potential of −162.5 mV and a self-corrosion current density of 1.7217 × 10−6 A·cm−2. Moreover, the interfacial contact resistance (ICR) between the coating and the gas diffusion layer was remarkably low (down to 5.49 mΩ·cm−2), indicating enhanced surface electron transfer with increasing Ti3SiC2 mass fractions.

Reinforcing steels in low-carbon mortars subjected to chloride attack and natural carbonation: Contradictory trends in passivation ability and corrosion resistance

After a 7-year exposure to simulated marine environments with chloride attack and natural carbonation, the passivation ability and corrosion resistance of carbon steel and 2304 duplex stainless steel in two types of low-carbon mortars, designed with alkali-activated slag and Bayer red mud, were investigated, which were compared with those observed in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) mortar. Although a reduced passivation ability was confirmed for steels in the low-carbon mortars, an improved corrosion resistance was highlighted after long-term exposure. Accordingly, the underlying mechanisms for the detrimental impacts and beneficial effects on the corrosion resistance of steels provided by these low-carbon mortars were discussed in terms of pore solution chemistry, pore structure as well as electrical resistivity, which will shed new lights on the design of novel cementitious materials with low carbon footprint and high corrosion protection.

Rational design of highly corrosion-resistant chromium hydroxide coupled amorphous-crystalline heterostructure to achieve efficient and stable seawater oxygen evolution

The pressing issues of global energy scarcity and water shortages can be substantially mitigated through the electrolysis of seawater. In this study, we synthesized a unique lamellar amorphous-crystalline heterostructure electrocatalyst by integrating the amorphous chromium hydroxide (Cr-OH) with the crystalline NiFe layered double hydroxides (NiFe LDH). The resulting Cr-OH/NiFeLDH@NF exhibited an exceptionally low oxygen evolution reaction (OER) overpotential and strong corrosion resistance. The development of the crystalline-amorphous heterointerface significantly influenced electronic coupling and enhanced electron transfer rates. Through the methanol response mechanism, it was demonstrated that the Cr-OH enhanced the catalyst’s corrosion resistance in chloride-rich environments and significantly extended its durability in seawater. Operative Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the high OER activity and corrosion resistance of Cr-OH/NiFeLDH@NF originated from the preferential oxidation of the outer Cr-OH layer, which promoted the electrochemical oxidation of Ni2+ to Ni4+, and the stable Cl− resistant environment formed by the in-situ generated and dissolved CrO42−.