The Effect of Hydrothermal Post Treatments on Corrosion Properties of SnO₂ Films in Simulated PEMFC Environments

Abstract:

SnO₂ films were supplied on the surface of 304 stainless steel (304SS) by a sol–gel process followed by a hydrothermal post treatment. The measurements of XRD, SEM and water contact angles were carried out to characterize the as-prepared samples. The effect of hydrothermal post treatments in different media such as deionized (DI) water, HF solution and NaOH solution on the corrosion performances of the SnO₂ films in simulated proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) environments was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization measurements. The results suggested that the SnO₂ films via the hydrothermal post treatment in 0.3 M NaOH solution showed a highest corrosion resistance and could act as an optimal barrier layer to metallic bipolar plates in simulated PEMFC environments. It could be attributed that the hydrothermal post treatment in NaOH solution was beneficial to improve the compact structure and enhance the hydrophobic property of the SnO₂ films.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 616-618)
• Pages: 1684-1688
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.616-618.1684
• Online since: December 2012
• Authors: Hong Yun, Chun Yang Ren, Yang Cao, Jun Jie Gao, Qun Jie Xu
• Keywords: Corrosion, Hydrothermal, Metallic Bipolar Plate, Protection, SnO₂

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