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Lessons Learned Using in-situ TEM Liquid Corrosion of Al Alloys

Journal Article · · Microscopy and Microanalysis

Al and Al alloys are of interest in energy applications due to their strength and low weight [1] in addition to their electrochemical properties for aluminum-air batteries for energy storage [2]. However, Al alloys also are susceptible to corrosion in a variety of environments including liquid electrolytes and in solar panels [3], which has led to a great deal of research to understand and improve corrosion resistance in these materials. Al metal forms a native, passivating oxide layer in the presence of ambient air, which slows corrosion initiation. However, pitting still occurs as this protective layer breaks down in the presence of electrolytes. Thin metal Al films were used in these experiments to observe initiation and growth of pitting, which can be used as an approximation of corrosion initiation behavior in bulk samples.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
2000017
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA-5K00-87466; MainId:88241; UUID:3512fc1d-1878-44cc-89ce-bddc98aba911; MainAdminID:70581
Journal Information:
Microscopy and Microanalysis, Vol. 29, Issue Supplement 1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (2)

Aluminum as anode for energy storage and conversion: a review journal July 2002
Influence of an aluminium concentrator corrosion on the output characteristic of a photovoltaic system journal December 2020