Why copper may be able to corrode in pure water

In exposure of copper to water molecules there will be relatively strong bonds (reversible traps) between copper and hydrogen. One copper-hydrogen bond corresponds to the thermal energy of a temperature of approximately 250 degrees C and this explains an unusual temperature influence on hydrogen uptake in the metal and in corrosion of copper in pure water-vapour without O-2. This unusual temperature influence is exemplified in exposure of copper at 180 degrees C and 500 degrees C where Cu corrodes more at 180 degrees C than at 500 degrees C. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.