Effect of KOH concentration on corrosion behavior and surface morphology of stainless steel 316L for HHO generator application

Hydrogen production could be enhanced by increasing the potassium hydroxide (KOH) concentration, but higher KOH concentrations result in corrosion rates. Therefore, a deep investigation of electrochemical behavior stainless steel (SS 316L) solution is needed. This study investigates influence on behavior, surface morphology, structure, and sample phases SS 316L. The investigations were conducted some techniques, UV-vis, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD). rate was found to increase, resistance decrease with concentration. Samples tested 5, 30, 50 g l-1 showed rates 0.457, 2.362, 5.613 µm year-1, respectively. A wide passive region noblest pitting potential noticed for 5 KOH. Moreover, Mott-Schottky plots characteristic wavelengths UV-Vis suggest formation iron chromium oxides passivation samples. SEM analysis dynamic change morphology from lowest highest concentration intergranular at grain boundaries area. In conclusion, < recommended since they would support optimum remaining life 316 L plates HHO generators.