Testing the Corrosion Level of Metals by Analyzing Current in Corrosion Simulation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the corrosion-resistant properties of various metals, including niobium, copper, brass, and nickel-plated steel, in a simulated corrosive environment similar to the conditions found in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The hypothesis stated that copper would demonstrate the least amount of corrosion, resulting in the lowest current fluctuations, due to its corrosion-resistant properties. A saline solution was created to simulate the electrolyte environment in EV batteries, and a potentiostat was used to regulate the voltage and measure current fluctuations, which are indicative of the rate of corrosion. The results showed that niobium exhibited the most consistent and lowest current throughout the experiment, showing its high corrosion resistance. Copper and brass exhibited similar corrosion patterns, with a steady increase in current followed by a brief decline and then a gradual increase. Nickel-plated steel displayed the worst corrosion resistance, with a steadily increasing current throughout the experiment, indicating high corrosion rates. This study suggests that niobium is the most effective material in resisting corrosion, followed by copper and brass. Nickel-plated steel, while commonly used, demonstrated poor performance in terms of corrosion resistance. These findings show the potential for niobium and copper alloys to enhance the durability of battery components. The use of these metals in common batteries could result in a decrease in corrosion, leading to increased longevity and durability. This study looks into cost-effective solutions to battery corrosion in electric vehicles.