Combining theoretical and experimental researches to insight the anti-corrosion nature of Citrus reticulata leaves extract

Experimental accompanied with computational (atomic/electronic)-level simulation investigations of Polygonum cuspidatum root extract as sustainable corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in aggressive corrosive media

This study investigates the corrosion inhibition potential of Polygonum cuspidatum root extract (PCRE) on mild steel in a 0.5 M HCl acidic environment. Herein, various techniques including electrochemical and gravimetric measurements were employed, along with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle (CA) measurements for surface morphology analysis. The impedance study revealed a concentration-dependent enhancement in corrosion resistance, classifying PCRE as a mixed-type inhibitor (i.e., inhibits both anodic and cathodic reactions). The highest efficiency, 96.71% at 298 K, was observed at a 1000-ppm PCRE concentration. Langmuir model computations suggested chemisorption and physisorption of PCRE on the electrode substrate. Increased Rp (from 28.648 to 174.01 Ω) and Rct (185.74 Ω cm2) at 1000 ppm demonstrated improved corrosion resistance. Additionally, SEM analysis displayed a uniform, protective surface, reducing metal degradation. Theoretical calculations highlighted strong interactions between PCRE and mild steel, with a low energy gap (ΔE), as follows: 1-O-methylemodin (2.267 eV) < emodin (2.288 eV) < emodin-1-O-glucoside (2.343 eV) < piceid (2.931 eV) < resveratrol (2.952 eV), confirming PCRE's excellent micro-level anti-corrosion capabilities. This eco-benign corrosion inhibitor offers sustainable, low-toxicity protection, cost-effectiveness, and versatile performance, surpassing commercial counterparts while aligning with sustainability goals.

Insights into the Anticorrosion Performance of Solanum lyratum Leaf Extract for Copper in Sulfuric Acid Medium

In this paper, Solanum lyratum leaves were prepared into a corrosion inhibitor by a pure water extraction method. As a natural plant, S. lyratum leaf extract as a corrosion inhibitor has green features. S. lyratum leaf extract (SLLE) can effectively inhibit the corrosion of Cu in H₂SO₄ solution. The protective effect on copper in 0.5 mol/L H₂SO₄ solution was studied by electrochemical measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and theoretical calculation. These results showed that the maximum corrosion inhibition efficiency (η) of SLLE for copper obtained in the electrochemical measurement at different temperatures is more than 90%. The adsorption of SLLE on copper surfaces conforms to the Langmuir isotherm adsorption model. FTIR and XPS showed the bonding information. SEM and AFM proved that the SLLE can protect the copper from corrosion media. The interaction and inhibition mechanism between the SLLE and copper surface was further revealed at the molecular level by theoretical calculation.

Application of molecular dynamics simulation for exploring the roles of plant biomolecules in promoting environmental health

Understanding the dynamic changes of plant biomolecules is vital for exploring their mechanisms in the environment. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation has been widely used to study structural evolution and corresponding properties of plant biomolecules at the microscopic scale. Here, this review (i) outlines structural properties of plant biomolecules, and the crucial role of MD simulation in advancing studies of the biomolecules; (ii) describes the development of MD simulation in plant biomolecules, determinants of simulation, and analysis parameters; (iii) introduces the applications of MD simulation in plant biomolecules, including the response of the biomolecules to multiple stresses, their roles in corrosive environments, and their contributions in improving environmental health; (iv) reviews techniques integrated with MD simulation, such as molecular biology, quantum mechanics, molecular docking, and machine learning modeling, which bridge gaps in MD simulation. Finally, we make suggestions on determination of force field types, investigation of plant biomolecule mechanisms, and use of MD simulation in combination with other techniques. This review provides comprehensive summaries of the mechanisms of plant biomolecules in the environment revealed by MD simulation and validates it as an applicable tool for bridging gaps between macroscopic and microscopic behavior, providing insights into the wide application of MD simulation in plant biomolecules.

Environmentally benign cinchonain IIa from Uncaria laevigata for corrosion inhibition of Q235 steel in HCl corrosive medium: Experimental and theoretical investigation

Traditional corrosion inhibitors make great contribution to metal protection, but also cause environmental pollution. To solve the problem, plant extracts as green corrosion inhibitors have attracted much attention in recent years. Plants are good raw materials for corrosion inhibitors and also meet the requirements of industry. However, they have not been successfully applied in industry due to the unknown composition of the effective corrosion inhibitors and large dosage thereof. Therefore, cinchonain IIa was separated from Uncaria laevigata with abundant sources and low cost from nature in this work. Here we hypothesized that cinchonain IIa could show good corrosion inhibition performance for Q235 steel in the acidic medium. Through experiments and theoretical calculation, we studied the corrosion inhibition effect of cinchonain IIa on Q235 in 1 M HCl solution at 298 K for 48 h. Electrochemical experiments revealed that the inhibition efficiency of 200 mg/L cinchonain IIa in 1 M HCl for Q235 steel was 94.08% for 48 h. It even showed over 93% corrosion inhibition efficiency and durable protection performance to 28 d. Surface observations indicated that cinchonain IIa were firmly attached to the steel surface by forming a protective film. Moreover, quantum chemical calculation and molecular dynamics simulation revealed the inhibition mechanism at molecular and atomic level. Compared with some plant extracts, here we demonstrate that the outstanding advantages of cinchonain IIa include sustained protective effect, small dosage, and low toxicity. Accordingly, it may be used as a green industrial corrosion inhibitor with great potential in oilfield acidification and acid pickling.

Corrosion resistance and antibacterial activity of procyanidin B2 as a novel environment-friendly inhibitor for Q235 steel in 1 M HCl solution

Flavonoids, alkaloids, glucosides and tannins with good corrosion inhibition are the main natural components in plants. In this work, procyanidin B2 (PCB2), a natural flavonoid, was firstly isolated from Uncaria laevigata. Corrosion inhibition, chemical reactivity and adsorption of PCB2 on Q235 carbon steel were described by experimental and theoretical studies. The inhibition performance of PCB2 as a green corrosion inhibitor was evaluated by electrochemical and gravimetric tests. The binding active sites and activities thereof on the steel surface were illustrated by quantum chemistry, and the equilibrium configuration was predicted by molecular dynamics simulation. PCB2 exhibits good corrosion inhibition on Q235 steel over a wide temperature range. The electrochemical results show that PCB2 is a mixed inhibitor, and its inhibition efficiency increases with the addition of PCB2 concentration. Moreover, the protective film is formed on the steel and the active corrosion sites are blocked significantly by surface analysis. Additionally, the theoretical calculation proves a strong interaction between PCB2 molecule and carbon steel. Besides, the antimicrobial activity was also preliminarily studied. This suggests that PCB2 exhibits better antimicrobial activity against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. As a novel green corrosion inhibitor and antimicrobial agent, PCB2 is worthy of further exploitation.

Insight into the anti-corrosion performance of two food flavors as eco-friendly and ultra-high performance inhibitors for copper in sulfuric acid medium

2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-dithiane (DDD) and 2,5-dimethy- [1.4] dithiane-2,5-diol (DTDD) two food flavors as environmentally-friendly inhibitors for Cu in 0.5 mol/L H₂SO₄ media were researched via theoretical calculation and experimental ways. Electrochemical measurement data showed that DDD and DTDD can exhibit high level anti-corrosion feature. The anti-corrosion efficiency of DDD and DTDD were as high as 99.6% and 98.9%, respectively. The atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests showed that the Cu specimens were immersed in the H₂SO₄ with 5 mM DDD and DTDD for 30 h at the 298 K, and the Cu specimen surface was still smooth. Besides, the adsorption of DDD and DTDD at the interface of Cu/solution was comply with Langmuir adsorption. Theoretical calculation data showed that DDD exhibit more ascendant anti-corrosion feature than DTDD.

A Review on Plants and Biomass Wastes as Organic Green Corrosion Inhibitors for Mild Steel in Acidic Environment

Acid corrosion is a problem pertaining to corrosion that involves an acid solution. It is important to treat metal to preserve its integrity. Thus, acids are utilized to clean and treat metal surfaces. In return, this may lead to over-etching and metal degradation. Corrosion inhibitors were introduced as a solution for the issue. However, there are some problems associated with the usage of conventional corrosion inhibitors. Traces of nitrites and chromates that are present in the inhibitors may lead to serious health and environmental issues. As a solution, organic green corrosion inhibitors have been studied to replace the conventional corrosion inhibitors. These inhibitor molecules form a protective layer on top of the metal surface to suppress metal dissolution when added to the acid solution. This process prevents direct contact between the metal surfaces and the acid environment. This study explores the usage of natural resources and biomass wastes as the basis for organic green corrosion inhibitors. This study also provides some suggestions for new biomass wastes that can be studied as new organic corrosion inhibitors, and it is aimed at opening the perspective of researchers on exploring new organic inhibitors by using natural resources and biomass wastes.