Atmospheric corrosion of silver, copper and nickel exposed to hydrogen sulphide: a multi-analytical investigation approach

The effect of two concentrations of H2S (0.5 and 2.5 ppm), in controlled laboratory conditions (20 °C, 75%RH), on the atmospheric corrosion of pure Ag, Cu and Ni was investigated in this study. The corrosion product morphology and composition were analysed through a multi-technique approach including SEM/EDX, Raman spectroscopy, XPS and XRD. Different corrosion products were identified depending on the type of characterisations providing a better overview of the effect of H2S on the atmospheric corrosion of pure Ag, Cu and Ni. Possible mechanisms involved in the formation of these corrosion products are also discussed in this work. •Investigations on the effect of H2S on the atmospheric corrosion of Ag, Cu and Ni.•Characterisation of corrosion products using a multi-analytical investigation approach.•Identification of possible mechanisms involved in the atmospheric corrosion of Ag, Cu and Ni.