Effects of molybdenum on the composition and nanoscale morphology of passivated austenitic stainless steel surfaces

Surface analysis by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning tunnelling microscopy has been applied to provide new insight on Mo effects on the composition and nanostructure of the passive films grown in sulfuric acid on well-controlled Fe-17Cr-14.5Ni-2.3Mo(100) austenitic stainless steel single crystal surfaces. A duplex hydroxylated oxide matrix, 1.8-1.9 nm thick, is formed with a strong...