Combinatorial development of metallic glasses with superior corrosion resistance via electron work function

doi:10.1016/j.jmst.2025.04.029

Abstract

Abstract: Metallic glasses (MGs) exhibit excellent corrosion resistance, attributed to their disordered atomic structure and the synergistic effect of multiple components. However, the growing demand for highly corrosion-resistant materials has made traditional trial-and-error development strategies increasingly labor-intensive and challenging. Here, one combinatorial development strategy for corrosion-resistant MGs based on the electron work function (EWF) was proposed. Using the promising Ni-Nb-Ta and Co-Fe-Ta-B alloy systems as a model, the microstructure, composition, and EWF for the combinatorial MG libraries were systematically investigated. The optimal composition of Ni_49.92Nb_11.75Ta_38.33 with the largest EWF and best corrosion resistance was successfully screened out. The exceptional corrosion-resistant property is mainly attributed to the formation of a stable and dense passive film resulting from a high EWF. The current research not only enlightens the intrinsic correlation between EWF and corrosion behaviors but also offers an efficient strategy for developing MGs with exceptional corrosion resistance in harsh environments.

Key words: Metallic glass, Combinatorial development, Corrosion resistance, Electron work function, Passive film

Fei Han, Fucheng Li, Yanan Chen, Fuchao Wang, Jun Hu, Yanhui Liu, Juntao Huo, Meng Gao, Jun-Qiang Wang. Combinatorial development of metallic glasses with superior corrosion resistance via electron work function[J]. J. Mater. Sci. Technol., 2026, 244: 111-121.

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