Argonne National Lab researchers identify networks of metal nanoparticles causing fuel cell alloy corrosion

摘要

According to Argonne Distinguished Fellow Ken Natesan, who leads the Corrosion and Mechanics of Materials Group in Argonne's Nuclear Engineering Division, "Oxide scales are supposed to protect alloys from extensive corrosion, but scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered metal nanopar-ticle chinks in this armor... Oxide scales develop on the outer surface of alloys at high temperatures creating a protective barrier that keeps destructive carbon-bearing molecules from slipping into the alloy. The diffusion of carbon into oxide scales should be negligible, but studies have shown that carbon can sneak through the oxide line of defense leading to britde-ness and corrosion."