Nb-induced lattice changes to enhance corrosion resistance of Al<sub>0.5</sub>Ti<sub>3</sub>Zr<sub>0.5</sub>Nb<sub>x</sub>Mo<sub>0.2</sub> high-entropy alloys.

Yu, Xuelian; Chen, Qingjun; Cui, Xia; Ouyang, Delai · Nat Commun · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

In this work, the effect of lattice structure on the corrosion behavior and passivation film properties of reinforced Al<sub>0.5</sub>Ti<sub>3</sub>Zr<sub>0.5</sub>Nb<sub>x</sub>Mo<sub>0.2</sub> (x = 0.5,0.8,1) high-entropy alloys are investigated. A single-phase BCC Al<sub>0.5</sub>Ti<sub>3</sub>Zr<sub>0.5</sub>Nb<sub>x</sub>Mo<sub>0.2</sub> (x = 0.5, 0.8, 1) high-entropy alloys, exhibiting good corrosion resistance, are synthesized using vacuum arc melting. Nb improves the corrosion resistance of high-entropy alloys in two main ways. On the one hand, the alloys show preferential corrosion at the {011} crystalline planes. Increasing Nb content reduced the {011} crystalline plane spacing, enhancing the corrosion resistance of Al<sub>0.5</sub>Ti<sub>3</sub>Zr<sub>0.5</sub>NbMo<sub>0.2</sub>. On the other hand, during the corrosion process, Nb, which has a large atomic radius and strong oxygenophilicity, interacts with each metal element, contributing to the uphill diffusion of Al/Ti and the downhill diffusion of O. The low-valent oxides form first continuously react with the inward-diffusing O to form high-valent oxides. This results in the formation of a layered passivation film with high breakdown potential and high stability. This work provides a basis for designing chemically robust alloys for extreme environments.