Electroplating of reduced-graphene oxide on austenitic stainless steel to prevent hydrogen embrittlement

In this study, reduced graphene oxide was deposited on stainless steel by an electroplating method and investigated for application as a protective barrier against hydrogen embrittlement. After electroplating, the reduced graphene oxide on stainless steel was evaluated via scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. A thick and rough reduced graphene oxide layer was formed on the substrate, and removal of the oxidation product from the graphene oxide was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. Electrochemical methods (i.e., potentiodynamic polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and slow strain rate tests were performed to analyze the hydrogen embrittlement resistance. The hydrogen reduction reaction was decreased and a durable protective layer was formed after formation of the reduced graphene oxide. The decreased stress and strain under hydrogen conditions were ameliorated under hydrogen reduction conditions by the formation of reduced graphene oxide; this was caused by the formation of hydro-generated graphene and the increased hydrogen diffusion length.