Influence of ytterbium on the electrochemical property of PbCaSn alloy in sulfuric acid solution

► The addition of ytterbium into PbCaSn alloy can improve the corrosion resistance of PbCaSn in 4.5 mol L−1 H2SO4 solution. ► Ytterbium can inhibit the growth of Pb(II) compounds (PbSO4, PbSO4·PbO and PbO) within the corrosion scale on PbCaSn alloy. ► Ytterbium can decrease the resistance of the anodic film on PbCaSn alloy at 1.28 VSCE in sulfuric acid solution. ► Ytterbium can improve the deep recycle properties of PbCaSn alloy via increasing the porosivity of the corrosion scale on grid surface after deep recycle.