The effect of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) additions on the catalytic behavior of noble metal alloyed 304 stainless steel (SS) in 288°C water under stoichlometric excess hydrogen was studied. It was observed that an increase in the Zn or Cu content of the water increased the electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) of noble metal alloyed 304 SS by =30 to 50 mV and decreased the recombination efficiency of oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2) by =10%. The change in the ECP and recombination rate was correlated with incorporation of zinc and copper in the oxide fihn, which, by covering catalytic sites, would alter the redox reaction rate.
Keywords: noble metal, stainless steel, zinc, copper, BWR, electrochemical corrosion potential, oxygen, hydrogen, hydrogen peroxide, high temperature water