This work systematically reports the electrochemical properties and Surface characteristics of Ni-based metallic glasses in boiling nitric acid solutions. The Ni-based glassy alloys demonstrate high corrosion resistance in boiling 6 N HNO3 solutions with and without Cr6+ ions, which may be of great potential for nuclear fuel reprocessing applications. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveals that the high corrosion resistance of the alloys is due to the formation of the passive film composed exclusively of Nb5+ and Ta5+ cations after immersion in the solution without Cr6+ ions, and Nb5+, Ta5+ and Cr3+ cations after immersion in the Solution with Cr6+ ions. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.