Effect of L-Cysteine on Micro-Galvanic Corrosion of ADC12 Aluminum Alloy in a Low-Conductivity Coolant for Electric Vehicles

Abstract

L-cysteine as a corrosion inhibitor for ADC12 aluminum alloy in a modified coolant solution was investigated. Results reveal its effectiveness as a cathodic inhibitor, suppressing the oxygen reduction reaction. Immersion tests show efficient inhibition of localized corrosion at an optimized L-cysteine concentration of 1.0 mM. A favorable L-cysteine adsorption on θ-Al2Cu is confirmed, enhancing hydrophobicity, and leading to corrosion inhibition. This study proposes a tentative corrosion inhibition mechanism.