Potentiodynamic Polarization Research Articles

Effect of heat treatment on electrochemical behavior of biocompatible Ti–Ta–Nb–Zr alloys prepared by selective laser melting

In this paper, cytotoxicity-free Ti-10Ta-2 Nb-2Zr titanium alloy was prepared by selective laser melting additive manufacturing. The effect of solution and annealing heat treatment on the structure and microhardness were investigated. Electrochemical performance in Ringer’s solution at 37℃ was evaluated. This electrochemical evaluation was performed through the open circuit potential variation as the immersed time, potentiodynamic polarization curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. The results show that main phase composition of as-built and heat-treated specimens was the α/α′ phase. The specimen annealed at 500℃ presented a small amount of β phase. The solutionized and annealed specimens had basket-weave microstructure with distributed micro-scaled α/α′ lamellas. The microhardness of as-built specimens was 400.48 ±12.31 HV. After solution and water quenching, the microhardness dramatically increased to 533.85 ±24.67 HV. The microhardness slightly decreased to 495.46 ±4.85 and 488.8 ±13.84 HV after annealing at 300 ℃ and 500 ℃, respectively. Compared with the as-built specimen, the solutionized and annealed specimens had much lower corrosion current density and higher corrosion resistance.

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization of a new schiff base molecule, investigation as an efficient corrosion inhibitor for copper in sulfuric acid medium: combination of experimental and theoretical researches

A new Schiff base inhibitor known as “N, N’ carbonyl- Bis (para-hydroxy benzaldehyde imine)” has been synthesized and characterized by FTIR, NMR, and UV-Visible spectroscopy, the molecule was then assessed for its ability to prevent copper from corroding in a solution of 0.5 M H2SO4 using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy SEM combined with energy dispersion spectroscopy EDX, and atomic force microscopy AFM. The tested inhibitor exhibits good copper corrosion inhibition performance in a 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. As inhibitor concentration rises, inhibition performance also rises, reaching a maximum inhibitory efficacy of around 84.76 ± 0.69% at 5.10−4 M. The inhibitor was adsorbable to the metal surface and followed the Langmuir isotherm. It has been done such that the addition of KI increased the inhibitory effectiveness, the mixed additives worked together. There is good agreement between the conclusions drawn from theoretical calculations using DFT and MD simulation and actual observations.

Insights into corrosion inhibition of aluminum in hydrochloric acid solutions using expired cephalosporins and klavox: Chemical, electrochemical and theoretical approaches

The inhibitory efficacy of two expired antibiotic drugs namely, cephalosporin and klavox against corrosion of aluminum in 1.0 M HCl solution was investigate utilizing potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and weight reduction (WR) methodologies. It was discovered that the two expired drugs act as excellent inhibitors and the inhibition efficacy increases as the drug concentration increases and the temperature decreases. The inhibition efficacy reached 97.62 % and 99.42 % at 900 ppm of cephalosporin and klavox at 298 K, respectively. Expired drugs act as a mixed type inhibitor, controlling primarily the anodic and cathodic process, as evidenced by the PDP curves. According to EIS analysis, the charge transfer resistance values increased with increasing inhibitor concentration. The adsorption isotherm demonstrates that the expired drugs become active by physical adsorption on the Al surface, and their adsorption obeys the Langmuir isotherm. Through quantum chemistry calculations, the relationship between the inhibition properties and molecular structure was studied.

Eco-friendly corrosion inhibition of steel using phenolic compounds from Cynara syriaca

This study evaluates the corrosion inhibition performance of the n-butanol (n-BuOH) fraction derived from Cynara syriaca on mild steel in acidic environments. The n-BuOH fraction achieved up to 94 % inhibition at 500 ppm, as assessed through gravimetric analysis, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Key phenolic compounds, including kaempferol, naringenin, myricetin, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin, were identified by UPLC-MS/MS. These compounds form stable flavonoid-metal complexes, as confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. FT-IR and SEM-EDS analyses revealed the formation of protective coatings and interactions with the steel surface. Polarization curves indicate that the n-BuOH fraction acts as a mixed-type inhibitor, predominantly affecting the anodic reaction. The inhibition efficiency decreased from 93.89 % to 73.43 % with increasing temperatures. Thermodynamic analysis showed an increase in activation energy (Ea = 58.20 kJ/ mol) and a positive ΔH value of 56.17 kJ/mol, which can be attributed to the increased thickness of the double layer, enhancing the activation energy of the corrosion process. A Gibbs free energy (ΔG0ads) value of −25.48 kJ/mol confirms that the adsorption process is spontaneous and involves both physisorption and chemisorption. pKa analysis identified specific adsorption sites. This research underscores the potential of the n-BuOH fraction as a novel, eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor, offering valuable insights for sustainable corrosion control strategies.

Enhanced mechanical, corrosion, and tribological properties of hydroxyapatite coatings for orthopedic and dental applications

Biomedical coatings were elaborated by pulsed electrodeposition with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into electrolytes on Ti6Al4V substrates, and the effect of H2O2 concentration on the electrolyte and the heat treatment was studied. The experimental procedures employed in this study produce a consistent hydroxyapatite coating. This coating is well-suited for use in bio-implants, as it enhances the integration of the implant with surrounding bone tissue and improves the mechanical performance. The coatings' surface morphology and chemical composition were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) for x-ray microanalysis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was also utilized to identify the phases and composition of the coatings. Nanoindentation and scratch tests were conducted to analyze the nanomechanical properties and adhesion behavior. Potentiodynamic polarization was employed in the Ringer solution to evaluate the corrosion resistance and replicate the conditions of the human body environment. The results of our thorough investigation revealed that employing pulsed electrodeposition with 9 % H2O2 in the electrolyte, combined with subsequent heat treatment, facilitated the creation of coatings comprising two distinct phases: stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HAP) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). Our meticulous research underscores the significance of this process in achieving these specific coating compositions. Under these tests listed above, this composite demonstrated favorable mechanical properties (E = 30.45 GPa and H = 72.2 MPa). It also exhibited superior scratch adhesion and a critical load of 23 MPa and 12 N, respectively. Additionally, an improvement in tribological comportment was observed, and the wear volume decreased from 4.15 106 μm3 to 2.44 106 μm3. The HAP coating heat treated with 9 % H2O2 exhibited the highest corrosion resistance, with Ecorr at −0.189 V/SCE and icorr at −1.11 μA cm−2

Fabrication of Ni–ZrO2 nanocomposites through a new electroforming bath and Assessment of their morphology, wear, and corrosion resistance

Nowadays, researchers are looking for ways to produce complex tools and pieces with high precision at a low cost. In recent decades, electroforming has been an important and stable technique for producing composite parts. In this research, Ni–ZrO2 nanocomposite foils were fabricated by using a nickel-chloride bath through electroforming, a bath not previously utilized for this purpose. In this study, the effects of ZrO2 concentration and direct current density on the volume percentage of ZrO2 nanoparticles and the grain size of the nickel matrix of foils are also investigated. The sample with 13.65 vol % nanoparticles had the highest volume percentage and the minimum nickel grain size of 516.9 nm, which is almost 46 % smaller than the grain size of pure nickel foil. The wear and corrosion behavior of the foils were examined using a pin-on-disk wear test, potentiodynamic polarization, and impedance spectroscopy analysis. The results showed considerable improvement in the wear and corrosion resistance of the Ni–ZrO2 samples compared to the pure electroformed nickel. The nanocomposites exhibit a lower friction coefficient than pure nickel, with a maximum reduction of 44 %. A composite specimen of Ni–ZrO2 had 2.5 % lower corrosion density and 596 % higher charge transfer resistance compared to pure nickel. It was concluded that the nickel-chloride bath has an excellent potential to produce composite nickel foils with acceptable brightness, satisfactory wear, and corrosion resistance.

Aerophilic Surfaces for Sustained Corrosion Protection of Metals Underwater

AbstractCorrosion and biofouling are wetting‐related phenomena that limit the effective use of metals in aqueous media. Nonwettable surfaces can mitigate the adverse effects of wetting by minimizing contact with water. However, current achievements in this field fall short of meeting industrial requirements due to the short lifetime of plastrons. This study proposes a method to measure the protective sustainability of plastron. Superhydrophobic (SHS) and aerophilic (APhS) surfaces are constructed on lightweight aluminum and are initially analyzed by conventional goniometry, which show comparable values. However, the plastron that develops underwater is substantially different. While SHS exhibit unevenly broken plastron, APhS show uniform, continuous plastron. As an example of the sustained protective performance of plastron, the corrosion resistance of SHS and APhS is presented. Potentiodynamic polarization, impedance spectroscopy, and long‐term immersion in seawater show a drastic enhancement in corrosion resistance, exclusively for APhS. In fact, almost no electrochemical signals are measurable, and no pitting corrosion is observed after 415 days of immersion in seawater. Conversely, SHS show no noticeable improvement and corrode faster than bare Al due to plastron loss. Since goniometric measurements do not provide information on plastron, it is essential to analyze the plastron for any non‐wettable surface utilized underwater.

A Study on the Structural, Wear, and Corrosion Properties of CoCuFeNiMo High-Entropy Alloy

This study investigates the structural properties, wear resistance and corrosion behavior of a CoCuFeNiMo equiatomic high-entropy alloy. The alloy was prepared using a vacuum arc melting device, and its structural properties were analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Wear tests were conducted using a pin-on-disc machine against 4140 stainless steel at different loads. Corrosion behavior was evaluated through potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a 3.5wt% NaCl solution. The results indicated the presence of a major face-centered cubic (FCC) phase and a minor (µ) phase. The alloy exhibited segregation of Cu, attributed to positive mixing enthalpy. The coefficient of friction exhibited stability under lower loads but fluctuated under higher loads, possibly due to inhomogeneity in the microstructure caused by Cu segregation. Wear rates increased linearly with applied loads, indicating a direct relationship between load and wear properties. The worn surfaces displayed characteristics of mild abrasive wear, with delaminations, ploughing, and abrasive wear tracks. Pitting corrosion was observed, and the corrosion process was explained as the attack of Cl- ions leading to galvanic corrosion between different phases. In the corrosion analysis, the Ecorr value was -0.616V, and the icorr value was found to be 2.22 × 10-5 A/cm2.

Electrochemical, microstructural and theoretical validation of 2-(2-Bromophenyl)-1H-benzimidazole as inhibitor for C1018 steel during very aggressive CO2 corrosion

This work is motivated by the lack of research papers reporting benzimidazole derivatives in very aggressive CO2-corrosion systems. We appraise the inhibitive performance of 2-(2-bromophenyl)-1 H Benzimidazole (BPHB) in CO2-saturated 3.5 % sodium chloride (NaCl) + 50 ppm acetic acid (HAc) without and with 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). We augment results from these techniques with molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory, as computational modelling techniques. In the absence of HCl, the inhibitor adsorbs firmly on the steel surface, displays a strong cathodic influence on corrosion potential (Ecorr) and current density (icorr), and minimizes both general and pitting corrosion with ∼ 80 % efficiency. The presence of HCl furnishes abundant H+ ions that significantly diminish the cathodic influence of BPHB, blocks its firm adsorption and, although it reduces the extent of general and pitting corrosion, lowers its efficiency to ∼ 70 %. Computational modelling techniques confirm electrochemical and surface probe results. The nitrogen atoms and CC bonds in the imidazole ring are the centers that facilitate BPHB adsorption. The inhibitor adsorbs in such a way as to maximize surface coverage. However, adsorption is more energetically favored in the absence of HCl, based on Eads calculations.

“Evaluation of surface interaction of plant root extract components on mild steel surface in HCl medium: Electrochemical, and surface characterization approaches”

Mild steel materials are extensively used in various industrial operations in acidic conditions, but it susceptible to corrosion and lose its service life. Decalepis hamiltonii root extract (DHRE) containing several phytochemicals are readily interact on mild steel surface and prevent it from corrosion. The weight loss method, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that, DHRE inhibited maximum 97.19%, 97.35%, and 96.73%, respectively for corrosion of MS in 1 M HCl. Activation energy in the absence of the inhibitor was found to 80.89 kJ/mol, which increased to 140.55 kJ/mol with 200 ppm of DHRE concentration, indicating a higher energy requirement to undergo corrosion Scanning electron microscopy images of MS surface in presence of DHRE constituents, serving as a safeguard for MS corrosion. Atomic force microscopic images shows the corroded MS surface roughness in presence of DHRE reduced from 1048 nm to 682 nm. The variation of MS surface hydrophilic character was evaluated by contact angle measurements.

Corrosion resistance of FeCrMnxAlCu high-entropy alloys in 0.5M H2SO4 solution

In this study, FeCrMnxAlCu high-entropy alloys with varying Mn contents (x = 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, and 0) were prepared using a vacuum arc melting furnace. The phase structure and microstructure of the alloys before and after corrosion were characterized via X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The corrosion resistance of the alloys in a 0.5 M H2SO4 solution was comprehensively evaluated through potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, immersion tests, white light interferometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Microstructural characterization results revealed that the FeCrMnxAlCu high-entropy alloys exhibited mixed FCC and BCC phase structures and featured typical dendritic and interdendritic regions. Corrosion tests indicated that as the Mn content decreased, the corrosion resistance of the high-entropy alloys improved, and the corrosion type transitioned from dendritic to interdendritic. Among these alloys, the FeCrAlCu high-entropy alloy exhibited the highest corrosion resistance, with the highest positive corrosion potential (Ecorr = −0.11 V), the lowest corrosion current density (Icorr = 1.02 × 10−5 A∙cm2), minimal corrosion depth, and the lowest corrosion rate (0.1592 mm/y). After corrosion, a composite oxide protective film was formed on the alloy surface, effectively hindering further penetration of the H2SO4 solution and exhibiting excellent corrosion resistance.

Exploration of UV-induced geometrical isomer-enriched Helichrysum kraussii extract as a corrosion inhibitor for Al(111) surface in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid: An experimental and theoretical study

This study evaluated UV-radiated Helichrysum kraussii (H. kraussii) extract for its corrosion inhibition on aluminium in 1.0 M HCl. To achieve this, techniques such as Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Gravimetric analysis, electrochemical analysis looking at electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), contact angle and computational studies were used. The results obtained from these techniques made it possible to conclude the performance of UV-radiated H. kraussii as a corrosion inhibitor for aluminium metal. LC-MS and FTIR proved that the exposure of extract to UV radiation caused a change in the composition of extract metabolites, demonstrated by the increase in the number of peaks in the chromatogram and the shift in the FTIR spectrum. Weight loss technique showed that the extract inhibited the corrosion of aluminium with the maximum percentage inhibition of 84.6948 % at the concentration of 1500 ppm at 30 °C. The adsorption of the inhibitor molecules on the metal surface was found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and the activation energy values proved that the adsorption mechanism was through physisorption. Nyquist plots semi-circles were found to increase with an increase in the extract concentration, showing an increase in the inhibition efficiency. Tafel's plot showed that both anodic and cathodic corrosion were inhibited. The DFT/PBE/GGA/DNP computational investigation obtained binding energies of the inhibitors on the aluminium surface that suggest that the Al···FA interaction happens through physical adsorption.

Combined bulk nanostructuring and surface modifications of titanium substrate for improved corrosion behavior

Titanium has proven to be a game-changing biomaterial in biomedical engineering. Titanium and its alloys offer superior properties such as machinability, mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance, making them indispensable for safer and more efficient biomedical treatments. While commercially pure titanium (Cp-Ti) is an exceptional material for medical applications, it has some limitations. Allergic reactions can manifest as localized inflammation around the implant, and corrosion compromises implant stability. Corrosion starts with cracking from the surface and disrupts the protective passive oxide layer when touching body fluids, and failure occurs. This study utilized a combination of techniques including grain refinement of Cp-Ti via equal channel angular pressing (ECAP), two-step anodization (for creating titanium oxide nanotubes coatings), annealing at 450°C and 570°C, and immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) to create a Hydroxyapatite (HA) film coating. These methods addressed various challenges and provided a positive approach to improving corrosion behavior. The microstructure of Nano-Ti was evaluated by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The morphology of the as-anodized samples and corroded areas were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The crystalline phases of titanium nanotubes (TNTs) were evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD). The presence of hydroxyapatite particles was analyzed and characterized by FESEM coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier Transform Infrared-Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR). The corrosion behavior was evaluated using a potentiodynamic polarization test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results indicated that grain refinement and successive surface modifications significantly impact corrosion performance. The nanostructured (Nano-Ti) sample, after the final modification stage, exhibited an approximately 11-fold decrease in corrosion rate and over a 450-fold rise in polarization resistance (7.4 MΩ) compared to as-anodized Cp-Ti sample and a 7-fold increase in its Cp-Ti counterpart, and showed excellent adhesion strength compared to other samples.

Production and characterization of low-density silicon nitride reinforced zinc nanocomposite coatings on mild steel for applications in marine and automotive industries

In today's automotive, marine and petrochemical industries, the desire for lightweight materials has increased. Hence, necessitating the production of components with low density. In this work, lightweight Zn–Si3N4 coatings were developed by including Si3N4 in the zinc matrix. The optimal coatings were produced on steel samples at 45 °C and varied Si3N4 particles and voltages following ASTM A53/A53M standard. The deterioration (corrosion) property i.e. corrosion rate (CR) and current density (jocorr) of the uncoated (control) and coated samples were examined in 0.5 M of sulphuric acid using a potentiodynamic polarization technique following ASTM G3/G102 standard. The microstructure of the samples was studied via the SEM micrographs and XRD patterns, while the wear performance resistance (following ASTM G99 standard) and electrical conductivity of the samples were examined with a pin-on-disc tribometer and ammeter-voltmeter. The corrosion experiment indicated that the uncoated mild steel specimen possessed a CR of 12.345 mm year−1 and jocorr of 1060 μA/cm2, while the CR and jcorr of the coated samples ranged from 2.6793 to 4.7975 mm year−1 and 231−413 μA/cm2, respectively. The lower CR and jcorr values of the coated specimens, relative to the coated sample showed that the coatings possessed superior passivation ability in the test medium. The SEM micrographs of the samples showed refined morphology, while the XRD patterns revealed high peak intensity crystals such as Zn4SiN, ZnNSi, Zn4N and Zn2NSi, which could be beneficial to the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the steel. Moreover, the wear resistance study indicated that the COF of the uncoated sample ranged from 0.1 to 0.5, while those for coated specimens ranged from 0.05 to 0.35. Similarly, the uncoated steel exhibited a wear volume (WV) of 0.00508 mm3, while the WV of the coated specimens ranged from 0.00266 to 0.0028 mm3, indicating the existence of high strengthening mechanisms between the interface of the protecting device and the steel. Also, the electrical conductivity of the mild steel sample reduced from 12.97 Ω−1cm−1 to 0.64 Ω−1cm−1, indicating that the electrical resistivity of the steel was enhanced by the coatings.

Enhancing mechanical and corrosion properties of GO and Al2O3 reinforced Cu composite coatings

Despite their significant functions and properties, the performance characteristics of Al2O3 ceramic particles and graphene oxide (GO) within hybrid copper composite coatings have been seldom investigated. This study successfully fabricated a Cu-GO- Al2O3 composite coating featuring fine particulate spherical network-like structures on St37 low carbon steel using an ultrasonic-electroless coating method. The effects of Al2O3-decorated graphene oxide hybrid reinforcement on the texture and nanomechanical properties of the copper matrix were examined. The tribological performance of the Cu-GO- Al2O3 composite coating under dry sliding conditions was evaluated, and the wear mechanism was investigated in detail. Results demonstrate that the Cu-GO- Al2O3 composite coating effectively reduces the wear rate and friction of the GO/ Al2O3 hybrid reinforced composite coating. Potentiodynamic polarization tests indicated that the Cu-GO- Al2O3 composite coating exhibits higher corrosion resistance compared to the copper matrix. The enhanced mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties of the Cu-GO- Al2O3 composite coating are primarily attributed to: (i) the fine particulate spherical network-like structure; (ii) the synergistic effect of the GO and ceramic particle hybrid with a decorated structure; (iii) the formation of graphene oxide/ Al2O3 nanorolls in tribofilms and the excellent self-lubrication properties of graphene oxide. The Cu-GO- Al2O3 composite coating significantly improves the frictional and electrochemical properties of the copper matrix, offering new perspectives for next-generation electrical contacts and nanoelectromechanical systems.

The effect of tempering temperature on microstructure and corrosion resistance of M390 powder metallurgical martensitic stainless steel

The corrosion resistance of M390 powder metallurgical martensitic stainless steel with different tempering temperatures was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization measurements, salt spray tests, and microstructural analyses utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The tempering temperature had no significant effect on the size and volume fraction of carbides. The corrosion resistance of M390 steel gradually deteriorated with increasing tempering temperature, and a loss passivation (LOP) effect was observed when tempered at 450 °C, 500 °C, and 550 °C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed that the width of the Cr-depleted zones around the undissolved M7C3 carbides increased with increasing tempering temperature, while the Cr content in these zones decreased, which was the main reason for the deterioration of corrosion resistance. This study offers valuable insights into optimizing the tempering process to improve the corrosion resistance of M390 steel for practical applications.

Systematic characterization and enhanced corrosion resistance of novel β-type Ti-30Zr-5Mo biomedical alloys with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and zirconia (ZrO2)-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) matrix coatings

This study investigates synthesis, the in-vitro corrosion resistance and adhesion performance of PLA-based composite coatings reinforced with halloysite nanotubes (HNT) and zirconia (ZrO2) on beta-type Ti-30Zr-5Mo biomedical alloys. The coatings were synthesized using the sol-gel method and characterized for their surface morphology, chemical composition, and electrochemical properties. SEM analysis revealed the presence of micropores and cracks, particularly in HNT and HNT/ZrO2 bilayer coatings. XPS and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful integration of HNT and ZrO2 into the PLA matrix. The potentiodynamic polarization scans and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed enhanced corrosion resistance for coatings containing HNT and ZrO2, with the HNT/ZrO2 bilayer demonstrating the best performance. Contact angle measurements indicated hydrophilic properties, crucial for bioactive surfaces. Overall, the study demonstrates that HNT and ZrO2 reinforcements in PLA coatings significantly improve the corrosion resistance and bioactivity of Ti-30Zr-5Mo alloys, making them promising candidates for biomedical applications. Details are compared and discussed in the text.

Sodium humate as green corrosion inhibition for enhanced corrosion resistance of EH40 ship plate steel

A new green corrosion inhibitor was extracted and prepared from available and inexpensive natural humic plant humus for the corrosion inhibition of EH40 steel in a 15 % HCl medium. The corrosion inhibition properties of SH were evaluated using weight loss, cyclic voltammetry, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The morphology of EH40 steel was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that, the optimum concentration of sodium humate was 1.0 gL−1 with an inhibition efficiency of above 95 %. The corresponding corrosion inhibition mechanism was proposed, in which the corrosion inhibitor formed a film on the surface of EH40 steel as a result of the synergistic adsorption effect of chemistry and physics, improving its corrosion retention in the strong acid medium.

Holistic development of rechargeable Metal-CO2-Mars battery chemistry for Mars exploration

The development of metal-CO2 batteries is a promising technology due to their high energy density and, more importantly, their ability to utilize the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) as an energy carrier and, therefore, to combat the climate change effects. Furthermore, the metal-CO2 battery can offer great benefits in terms of energy storage and in-situ resource utilization for the interplanetary Mars mission, reducing overall mission cost, weight, and complexity. This work is a novel attempt to realize the feasible development of a metal-CO2Mars battery for Mars exploration. To the best of our knowledge, we hereby report the practical configuration of metal (X)-CO2Mars batteries (X = Li, Na and K) which is operated in a simulated Martian atmosphere for the first time. To develop a better fundamental understanding, we investigate the effective reversibility and discharge-reaction product formation of these metal-CO2Mars batteries. Further, the electrochemical performance and underlying mechanism of metal-CO2Mars batteries are evaluated using electrochemical testing (galvanic discharge-charge, cyclic voltammetry), potentiodynamic polarization, and Raman spectroscopy analysis, which are then later supported by first-principle calculation based on density functional theory. Thus, we believe that this work provide a rational design strategy for the practical development of metal-CO2Mars and metal-CO2 batteries.

Effect of solvent acids on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of chitosan films on MAO-treated AZ31B magnesium alloy

This study evaluated the effect of solvent acids on the structure and corrosion resistance performance of chitosan (CS) film on MAO-treated AZ31B magnesium (Mg) alloy. Initially, CS solutions were prepared in four solvent acids: acetic acid (HAc), lactic acid (LA), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and citric acid (CA). The CS films were subsequently deposited on MAO-treated AZ31B Mg alloy via a dip-coating technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), contact angle measurement, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed to characterize the surface and cross-sectional morphology as well as chemical composition. Furthermore, the samples were subjected to potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests to assess their resistance against corrosion in simulated body fluid (SBF). These results indicated that the CS film prepared with LA exhibited the lowest surface roughness (Ra = 31.2 nm), the largest contact angle (CA = 98.50°), and the thickest coating (36 μm). Additionally, it demonstrated superior corrosion protection performance, with the lowest corrosion current density (Icorr = 3.343 × 10−7 A/cm2), highest corrosion potential (Ecorr = −1.49 V), and highest polarization resistance (Rp = 5.914 × 104 Ω·cm2) in SBF. These results indicated that solvent acid types significantly influenced their interactions with CS. Thus, the structure and corrosion protection performance of CS films can be optimized by selecting an appropriate solvent acid.