The impedance properties of the oxide film on the Ni–Cr–Mo Alloy-22 in neutral concentrated sodium chloride solution

The oxide film properties on Alloy-22 in the applied potential (E) range −600 mV to 600 mV (vs. saturated KCl, Ag/AgCl reference electrode) were characterized by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) in near neutral pH, 5 M NaCl solutions, at 30 °C. The impedance properties of the film were compared to the chromium content of the film determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The oxide film properties on Alloy-22 may be divided into three applied potential (E) ranges: −600 mV ≤ E < −300 mV, −300 mV ≤ E ≤ 300 mV, and E > 300 mV. For the range −600 mV ≤ E < −300 mV the film resistance (R_film) increases with potential accompanied by an increase in Cr₂O₃ content; in the range −300 mV ≤ E ≤ 300 mV, R_film values and the Cr₂O₃ content of the oxide film achieve their maximum values; for E > 300 mV, a decrease in both R_film and Cr₂O₃ is observed accompanied by a significant increase in Cr(OH)₃. Comparison of the impedance properties for Alloy-22 to those of Ni–Cr alloys indicate that the barrier layer oxide on Alloy-22 contains a lower number of less mobile defects, most likely Cr interstitials. Destruction of the barrier layer for E > 300 mV leads to the formation of a thicker, less protective bilayer, which is high in Mo content.