MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Passivation and repassivation behavior of titanium in hot concentrated nitric acid solution containing fluoride ions

Expand
  • a CAS Key Laboratory of Nuclear Materials and Safety Assessment, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China;

    b School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Shenyang 110016, China;

    c CNNC China Nuclear Power Engineering Co., Ltd., Beijing 100840, China

Online published: 2026-06-08

Abstract

The effect of F on the passivation and repassivation of titanium in a simulated spent fuel reprocessing environment was examined using a custom-designed scratching electrode device. Electrochemical experiments and characterization of the passive film revealed that F accelerates both cathodic and anodic reactions of titanium. The critical concentration phenomenon of F on intact and scratched titanium surfaces in hot HNO3 solutions can be attributed to competitive adsorption between F and NO3. Below the critical concentration, F primarily affects the outer layer of the passive film, while above it, F penetrates the entire passive film, significantly reducing corrosion resistance. The lower critical concentration on scratched surfaces (0.5 mmol/L) compared to intact surfaces (1 mmol/L) is due to enhanced F adsorption caused by the presence of scratches. It is indicated that regular monitoring of F concentrations and minimizing scratches on titanium surfaces to prevent corrosion failure are imperative during the spent fuel reprocessing process.

Cite this article

Qi-qian Chen, Ai-li Ma, Lian-min Zhang, Yue Zheng, Wan-qi Chen, Yu-gui Zheng . Passivation and repassivation behavior of titanium in hot concentrated nitric acid solution containing fluoride ions[J]. Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China, 2026 , 36(5) : 1527 -1547 . DOI: 10.1016/S1003-6326(26)67045-8

Outlines

/