Effect of AC interference on hydrogen evolution reaction of x80 steel

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to quantify the influence of alternating current (AC) interference on hydrogen evolution reaction of X80 steel. Design/methodology/approach The hydrogen evolution potential was obtained by cathodic potentiodynamic polarization curve. The instantaneous potential under AC interference was obtained by high-frequency acquisition with three-electrode system. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel polarization curves were used to study the influence mechanism of AC interference on instantaneous potential. Findings It was concluded that the hydrogen evolution reaction could occur on X80 steel under AC interference. There were critical AC current densities of about 100 to 200 A/m2, beyond which the cathode reaction of X80 steel changed from oxygen absorption to hydrogen evolution. Besides the pH value, the initial polarization potential EZ and impedance module of the steel/electrolyte interface under AC interference were also the factors that affected the critical AC densities in different solutions. Originality/value This research quantified the hydrogen evolution capacity of X80 steel under AC interference, which could be applied to clear the effect of AC interference on hydrogen evolution reaction.