Influence of CrN surface compound on the initial stages of high temperature oxidation of ferritic stainless steel

► Evolution of surface compounds on Fe-17Cr was studied upon annealing and oxidation. ► CrN surface compound promotes the selective oxidation of Cr at elevated temperatures. ► Nitrogen is buried below the oxide layer as the oxidation proceeds. ► High-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy was used to identify different N species.