Investigation of the corrosion of electro-less nickel-plated alloys in molten salt and its effect on phase change properties for energy storage applications

•Electroless nickel plated alloys were tested in K2CO3 + Na2CO3 and NaCl + Na2CO3.•Latent heat of salt decreases as impurity levels increase due to corrosion.•Nickel plated Monel 400 experienced the most corrosion damage, a 500 µm thick layer.•NaCl + Na2CO3 exposed to MO400 experienced largest decrease in latent heat by 18.1%.•IN601 was best performing alloy. Nickel Coating reduced its corrosion damage.