ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Mechanism of selenite on corrosion protection and hydrogen evolution inhibition of Zn in ZnSO₄ and NaCl solutions

Bing Lei, Sifan Tu, Zheng Zhang, Zi Yang, and Zhiyuan Feng

School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China

E-mail: fengzhy25@mail.sysu.edu.cn

Received: 26 March 2025  Accepted: 3 August 2025

Abstract:

Issues such as Zn dendrites, hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), self-corrosion, and Zn anode passivation significantly hinder the development of Zn-ion batteries. In this study, Na₂SeO₃ was introduced into the ZnSO₄ electrolyte and NaCl solution to reduce the rate of hydrogen evolution reaction, thereby inhibiting both HER and self-corrosion in Zn. Experimental results indicate that after prolonged immersion, the surface of metallic Zn with the addition of Na₂SeO₃ remained smooth, whereas the surface without the corrosion inhibitor exhibited significant roughness and obvious signs of corrosion. According to the potentiodynamic polarization test results, Na₂SeO₃ can significantly reduce the overall current density in the cathodic region, indicating its notable inhibition effect on the hydrogen evolution reaction. On the other hand, long-term EIS test results demonstrate that Na₂SeO₃ can increase the low-frequency impedance value of the material, suggesting a substantial reduction in the self-corrosion rate of Zn. The protection mechanism of Na₂SeO₃ operates via two main pathways: (i) competition for electrons between SeO₃²⁻ reduction and hydrogen evolution, and (ii) the formation of a protective selenium-containing film that shields the zinc substrate. The research conducted in this project can provide valuable insights for the electrode protection of metallic Zn in the field of batteries.

Keywords: Corrosion; Na2SeO3; Hydrogen evolution reaction; Zn-ion battery; Corrosion protection

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04294-z

Chemical Papers 79 (11) 7901–7915 (2025)