Abstract: In order to enhance the corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel, niobium was electrodeposited on its surface in air- and water-stable ionic liquids. The electrochemical behaviors of bare and niobium-coated 304 stainless steel were evaluated by electrochemical tests in a simulated proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) environment. The results showed that niobium could be electrodeposited on the surface of 304 stainless steel from ionic liquids, and a smooth and strong chemical inert compound film was obtained on the surface of 304 stainless steel, which was mainly composed of NbO and Nb₂O₅. The thin composite film acted as a barrier and remarkably improved the corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel in the PEMFC environment.