Effect of Alloy Elements on the Corrosion Resistance and Electrical Conductivity of Austenitic Stainless Steel for MCFC

Abstract

Bipolar plate and current collector are important stainless steel components of MCFC because they supply the pathway of the electron flow between each unit cell. However these stainless steel components are prone to corrosion in the hot corrosion environment and corrosion products forming on the surface increase the ohmic resistance. To solve these problems, alloy elements are added to modify the properties of the oxide layer on the surface. High Cr content causes the formation of thin oxide layer, therefore, improves the corrosion resistance. Mn enrichment occurs in the oxide layer and may lead to an increase in electrical conductivity.