On the simultaneous role of Cr in the passivity of stainless steel and in the sorption of HSO−4 and Cl− ions in the passive film

Abstract The sorption behaviour of HSO − 4 and Cl − ions on stainless steel is discussed in the light of recent theories of passivity attributing a significant role to the Cr content and the state of Cr species in the passive layer. It is shown through experimental evidences that a link between the formation of Cr 3+ species in the passive film and HSO − 4 sorption can be formulated.