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Chemicals/chlorine corrosion on Stainless Steel

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Expert: - 8/1/2008


Question
Hi Henry,

I am creating a design for a Hydrogen Cell Generator (separate H2O through electrolysis).

At operating temperature the cell gets hot (70° Celsius).  Currently I am using distilled water.  For the electrodes I am using 430 grade Stainless Steel plates.

I would like to experiment with tap water.  As you know, tap water contains certain amount of chlorine.  I know that chlorine at high concentrations is corrosive.

My question: Do you think tap water at 70° Celsius could oxidize stainless steel over time?  

Thanks a lot,  

Answer
Yes, even stainless will corrode over time.  There is also chloride in tap water.  Elctrode will corrode and they do get used up.

http://www.bssa.org.uk/topics.php?article=38


There are problems using stainless as electrode.

http://www.antique-engines.com/stainless-steel-electrodes.htm

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Henry Boyter

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Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

Experience

Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

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