Effect of Water Vapor on the Oxidation Mechanisms of a Commercial Stainless Steel for Interconnect Application in High Temperature Water Vapor Electrolysis

High temperature water vapor electrolysis is one of the most promising methods for hydrogen production. The interconnect is a key component in the electrolyse technology. In a previous paper, the high temperature corrosion resistance and the electrical conductivity of a commercial ferritic stainless steel, K41X (AISI 441), were assessed in both anode (95 %O-2-5 %H2O) and cathode atmospheres (10 %H-2-90 %H2O). In cathode atmosphere, ageing tests performed up to 1,000 h revealed the formation of a duplex oxide scale: an inner layer consisting of protective chromia and an outer layer comprised of a magnetite-type iron oxide. In this study, we further investigated the oxidation mechanisms of K41X alloy in cathode atmosphere by means of marker experiments using an inert marker (Au) and isotopes. SEM-EDX and SIMS characterizations were combined in order to determine the oxide scale growth processes. The roles played by hydrogen and water vapor are discussed and a diffusion mechanism is postulated.