Abstract: Lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE), with its high boiling point, excellent thermal conductivity, and favorable safety properties, has become the core coolant for accelerator-driven advanced nuclear energy systems (ADANES) and lead-cooled fast reactors (LFRs). However, the coupled issues of oxidation corrosion, dissolution corrosion, and erosion corrosion induced by its high-temperature environment severely threaten the service life of structural materials, and hinder the engineering implementation of advanced nuclear technology. Surface coating technology, which enhances corrosion resistance while preserving the inherent properties of the substrate, has emerged as a key strategy to mitigate LBE corrosion. This paper provides a systematic review of research progress on corrosion-resistant coatings for nuclear applications against LBE corrosion. Starting from corrosion mechanisms, the influence of synergistic factors, including dissolved oxygen, temperature, flow velocity, and irradiation, on corrosion behavior are elucidated. Coatings are classified into three major systems, i.e. metallic, ceramic, and composite, and the corrosion resistance mechanisms, performance advantages, and failure behaviors of FeCrAl(Y), high-entropy alloys, Al₂O₃, MAX phases, and gradient composite coatings are analyzed. Research indicates that FeCrAl(Y) coatings form a continuous Al₂O₃ barrier layer through “matrix-oxide film” synergistic effect, with corrosion resistance and mechanical properties correlated to Cr and Al content. High-entropy alloy coatings suppress inward diffusion of corrosion species through lattice distortion and multi-component synergistic oxidation, yet they are susceptible to like high-temperature phase decomposition and irradiation embrittlement. Thermodynamically stable ceramic coatings like Al₂O₃ provide effective substrate protection, yet tend to fail in high-temperature environments due to amorphous crystallization, interface mismatch, and lack of self-healing. Composite-structured coatings with a gradient architecture of “metal transition layers + ceramic functional layers” present a promising approach for integrating high adhesion, high toughness, and high barrier properties. Future efforts should focus on coupled regulation of environment-composition-process, multi-factor service evaluation, and lifetime prediction models to deliver long-term reliable protection solutions for advanced nuclear energy systems.

Key words: LFR, LBE, coatings, corrosion resistance, review