Unveiling the influence mechanism of La alloy on the oxidation behavior of Cu contact materials: A combined experimental and density functional investigation

The preferential oxidation of alloying elements has long been recognized as the primary mechanism underlying the oxidation resistance of copper alloys. However, the presence of various alloy phases within the Cu matrix complicates the oxidation behavior. Herein, combined DFT calculations and antioxidation experiment were conducted to evaluate the oxidation behavior and underlying mechanism of Cu–La alloys. The results indicate that the oxidation resistance of Cu is significantly enhanced by La element with a reduced mass gain of 49% at 100 °C for 100 h. The effects of oxidation behavior of Cu₆La on the oxidation resistance of Cu is further explored by DFT calculations. It reveals that the Cu₆La phase with a low work function exhibits a strong affinity for the O atoms. However, the diffusion activation energy of the absorbed O is calculated to be lower in Cu₆La than that of O in Cu, which is conducive to mitigate the further erosion of O on Cu matrix. Moreover, the Cu₂O–La layer formed on the Cu₆La surface is more stable and the oxygen diffusion coefficient in it is lower, which impedes the entry of oxygen. This work advances the understanding of alloying effect on oxidation of Cu surfaces that can be extended to other metal surfaces.