Corrosion of AISI E52100 Steel in 1 Ethyl 3 Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Ionic Liquid

Abstract: The corrosion of AISI E52100 steel in 1 ethyl 3 methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (［emim］BF4) ionic liquid at different conditions were studied. Electrochemical tests (open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization curves) were performed to characterize the corrosion resistance of the steel samples in ［emim］BF4 ionic liquid. Their morphology and chemical composition after corrosion were investigated using SEM coupled with EDX microanalysis and X ray diffraction. Results showed that E52100 steel could be corroded in ［emim］BF4, and the presence of oxygen, the increasing of temperature and water content could accelerate the corrosion. The water content had the most significant influence. The main corrosion products were iron fluoride and oxide.