Controlled contribution of Ni and Cr cations to stainless steel 304 electrode: Effect of electrochemical oxidation on electrocatalytic properties

The surface composition of a stainless steel 304 electrode, composed of Fe, Ni, and Cr, was adjusted through electrochemical oxidation under harsh anodizing conditions. As the electrochemical oxidation progressed, the Ni and Cr atoms in the Fe medium moved via the synergetic effect of electromigration and drag force, creating a Ni-rich surface on the electrodes with fast kinetics for the hydrogen evolution reaction. This study investigated the optimal duration of electrochemical oxidation affecting the cation contribution of Cr, which forms a passivation layer with high charge transfer resistance on the electrode. Electrochemical oxidation for 60 min induced a significant enhancement in the electrochemical catalytic activity as the cation contribution of Cr decreased.