The role of nitrogen on the passivation of nickel-free high nitrogen and manganese stainless steels was investigated in 0.5 M H2SO4, 3.5% NaCl and 0.5 M H2SO4 + 0.5 M NaCl solutions using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The passive film stability was enhanced in 0.5 M H2SO4 and the pitting resistance was improved in 3.5% NaCl solution by more nitrogen addition. The influence of nitrogen extended the whole anodic polarization region in 0.5 M H2SO4 + 0.5 M NaCl solution, as demonstrated by the enhanced dissolution resistance, promoted adsorption and passivation process, improved film protection and pitting resistance with increasing nitrogen content. Possible mechanisms relating to the role of nitrogen in different potential regions were discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.