Wet oxidation of amorphous and crystalline Cu–Zr alloys probed by thermodynamic, kinetic, and instrumental analyses

The effect of water vapor on oxidation behaviors of amorphous and crystalline Cu-Zr alloys has been comprehensively investigated. Compared with dry oxidation , water vapor retards the oxidation of amorphous Cu-Zr alloy by lowering internal ionic diffusion and leading to the formation of stable crystalline oxide layers. In contrast, water vapor accelerates the oxidation of crystalline Cu-Zr alloy 10 times by enhancing the activity and outward diffusion of Cu and promoting an unexpected synchronous oxidation of Zr and Cu. This study would change the perspective from focusing exclusively on the detrimental effect of water to considering its suppression on surface oxidation. ● Effect of water on thermal oxidation of amorphous/crystalline alloys is studied. ● Water vapor suppresses the oxidation of amorphous alloys by retarding diffusion. ● Water vapor promotes a synchronous oxidation of Zr and Cu in crystalline alloys. ● The study offers a new perspective on surface engineering in a wet environment.