Electrochemical anodization of stainless steels: Advances in nanostructured oxide synthesis for corrosion-resistant and functional surfaces

Abstract

The Electrochemical anodization of stainless steels enables the fabrication of nanostructured oxide layers with high corrosion resistance and tunable functionality. Compared with conventional valve metals such as aluminum or titanium, stainless steels present greater complexity due to their multicomponent composition and stable passive films. Recent progress, including dual-step anodization, optimized electrolytes, and targeted posttreatments has made it possible to form robust, self-organized nanoporous oxides with controlled morphology and thickness. This review critically evaluates these advances, highlighting how processing parameters influence oxide composition, pore ordering, and long-term corrosion performance. The discussion integrates recent mechanistic insights with practical design strategies for catalytic, energy-storage, and protective applications. Remaining challenges related to phase stability, mechanical integrity, and scalability are identified, along with future opportunities for deploying anodized stainless steels in advanced electrochemical and energy systems.