In Situ Raman Spectroscopic Investigation of Aqueous Iron Corrosion at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures

Abstract

In situ Raman spectroscopy was employed to investigate iron corrosion in air saturated water at a pressure of 25.1 MPa and temperatures from 21 to 537°C. Upon heating, various combinations of , , γ‐FeOOH, and were observed depending on the location on or temperature of the iron coupon. In some cases, different species were observed at the same temperature at different locations on the surface. This was attributed to oxygen concentration gradients in the solution caused by recirculation zones in the cell. The surface of the corrosion coupon changed little after it was heated to 537°C. This was attributed to the formation of a relatively thick, protective oxide scale after exposure to supercritical water. The ex situ Raman spectra were very similar to the in situ spectra obtained during cooling but different from those obtained during heating. This indicates that the corrosion layer present during cooling is similar to that observed ex situ but different from that observed during heating. Ex situ characterization of the coupon identified a two layered structure: an inner corrosion layer consisting of and and an outer layer consisting of and . © 2000 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.