The enhanced passivation of 316L stainless steel in a simulated fuel cell environment by surface plating with palladium

► Corrosion of 316L in H2SO4 + F− solution at 80 °C is greatly reduced by Pd plating. ► The Pd film promotes spontaneous passivation of 316L steel in the solution. ► The passive film formed in 316L/Pd couple is rich in Cr with less defects. ► The interfacial contact resistance of the steel surface is decreased by Pd plating. ► It is a potential material for bipolar plate in proton exchange membrane fuel cell.