Comparison of Protecting Layer Performance for Corrosion Inhibition in Molten Chloride Salts through Interfacial Studies at the Molecular Scale

Molten chloride salts easily corrode internal structures for concentrating solar thermal plants when it's used as a heat transfer fluid, representing a significant barrier to the technology's commercialization. This project will prepare a series of material samples similar to a solar receiver structural alloy in contact with a chloride-based salt. These samples will be studied to investigate the in-situ structure of these interfaces. The results of these studies will guide strategies for corrosion mitigation and the design of concentrating solar thermal power plants for Gen3 CSP awardees.