Comparison Study of the Effect of Oxide Film Properties on Cathodic Kinetics of Stainless Steel 304L and 316L During ORR Potential Window in Sulfate Solution

This study investigated the effects of oxide films formed at different oxidizing potentials on the cathodic kinetics of both Type 304L and 316L stainless steel. The study focused on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and was studied by electrochemical (potentiodynamic polarization, cyclic voltammetry, potentiostatic test, and electrochemical impedance) techniques and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy surface analysis. This study shows that the kinetics of ORR on stainless steels is determined by a combined effect of oxide film composition, film thickness, and resistivity.