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Fundamental Research

Understanding the causes of corrosion through molecular modelling - Application to stainless steels in CO2 environments -

CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage) is a set of technologies that are crucial to the transition to a low-carbon economy. However, the infrastructure used to transport and store CO2, even in stainless steel, can corrode when exposed to this compound. To prevent these problems, a thorough understanding of the corrosion processes of the steels used is crucial. CO2, which is transported in a supercritical state, is not normally aggressive to metallic materials, but the presence of water and other contaminants can lead to corrosion. The passive layer protecting stainless steel plays a crucial role in this process, as its properties determine the alloy's reactivity to the environment. Doctoral work has shed light on this complex issue.