pH-responsive nanovalves based on hollow mesoporous silica spheres for controlled release of corrosion inhibitor

Cross-linked chitosan encapsulated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticle: A dual-functional smart nanocapsule design for targeted corrosion inhibition and controlled emulsification

Research on stimuli-responsive micro-nanocontainers has gained attention for targeted corrosion inhibition and controlled emulsification-demulsification in oil recovery. However, existing nanocontainers face issues like irreversible drug release and limited functionality. This study presents a multi-functional nanocontainer design with reversible drug release and emulsification-demulsification capabilities. The fabricated nanomaterial BTA@HMSNs-CS, i.e., hollow mesoporous silica nanocontainers (HMSNs) loaded with 1H-Benzotriazole (BTA) and coated with crosslinked chitosan (CS), can transport BTA to corrosive areas in oil wells for targeted corrosion inhibition, and emulsify oil droplets in deep underground oil reservoirs for enhanced recovery. The imine bonds within the cross-linked CS layer demonstrate sensitivity to pH variations, dynamically adjusting the CS polymerization degree. This mechanism controls the BTA release from HMSNs-CS, achieving long-term corrosion inhibition of metal. When reaching deep underground oil reservoirs, the HMSNs-CS nanocontainers exhibit stable adsorption at the oil-water interface, preventing oil droplet aggregation and reducing the oil-water interfacial tension. This results in the formation of stable Pickering emulsions, facilitating demulsification in acid and emulsification in neutral/alkaline environments, and ultimately ensuring improved oil recovery efficiency. In this study, the developed nanomaterial exhibits dual-functions of corrosion inhibition and emulsification, offering an integrated strategy for metal protection and oil recovery in oil and gas operation.

3-APTES on Dendritic Fibrous Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for the pH-Controlled Release of Corrosion Inhibitors

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are currently used in different fields like catalysis, nanomedicine, and conservation science, taking advantage of their high surface area. Here, we synthesized and functionalized mesoporous dendritic fibrous nanoparticles to realize a smart delivery system of protective agents for metals. Different MSNPs were obtained via the microemulsion method followed by a hydrothermal or refluxing treatment at different w/o ratios, times, and temperatures. Dendritic spherical silica nanoparticles with specific features such as an appropriate size (450 nm), a very large surface area (600 m2 g-1), and a high yield synthesis (86%) were selected for surface modification. The fiber surface of the selected MSNPs was functionalized with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (3-APTES). 3-APTES works as a pH-driven "nanogate", suppressing the immediate leakage of the total guest molecule load and modulating the release as a function of pH conditions. Surface-modified MSNPs were tested as a reservoir of the most diffused corrosion inhibitors: Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and 1H-Benzotriazole (BTA); their release properties were studied in solutions with pH = 4 and 7. Functionalized and non-functionalized MSNPs showed a good loading efficiency of guest molecules (34-64%) and a pH-dependent release of the corrosion inhibitors on a timescale of several hours.

Preparation and Characterization of Water-borne Polyurethane Based on Benzotriazole as Pendant Group with Different N-Alkylated Chain Extenders and Its Application in Anticorrosion

A series of novel anti-corrosive coatings were synthesized successfully. Water-borne polyurethane (WPU) was synthesized using polyethylene glycol and modified by grafting benzotriazole (BTA) as a pendant group (WPU-g-BTA) and N-alkylated amines (ethylene diamine (A), diethylene triamine (B), triethylene tetramine (C)) as side-chain extenders. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and dynamic mechanical analyses were used to characterize the structural and thermomechanical properties of the samples. A gas permeability analyzer (GPA) was used to evaluate molecular barrier properties. The corrosion inhibition performance of WPU-g-BTA-A, WPU-g-BTA-B, and WPU-g-BTA-C coatings in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution was determined by electrochemical measurements. WPU-g-BTA-C coating synthesized with a high cross-linking density showed superior anticorrosive performance. The as-prepared coatings exhibited a very low icorr value of 0.02 µA.cm−2, a high Ecorr value of −0.02 V, as well as excellent inhibition efficiency (99.972%) and impedance (6.33 Ω) after 30 min of exposure.

Synergistic Behavior of Polyethyleneimine and Epoxy Monomers Loaded in Mesoporous Silica as a Corrosion-Resistant Self-Healing Epoxy Coating

Corrosion is a significant problem and is, to a large extent, responsible for the degradation of metallic parts. In this direction, mesoporous silica particles (MSPs) were synthesized by a sol-gel technique and had an average pore diameter of ∼6.82 nm. The MSPs were loaded with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and epoxy monomers and, after that, carefully mixed into the epoxy matrix to formulate new modified polymeric coatings. The microstructural, compositional, structural, and thermal properties were investigated using various characterizing tools [Transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, hermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy]. TGA confirms the loading of mesoporous silica with a corrosion inhibitor, and its estimated loading amount is ∼8%. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy properties of the reference and modified coated samples confirm the promising anti-corrosive performance of the synthesized polymeric smart coatings. Localized electrochemical tests (scanning vibrating electrode technique and scanning ion-selective electrode technique) evidence the corrosion inhibition ability of the coating, and its self-healing was also observed during 24 h of immersion. The decent anti-corrosion performance of the modified coatings can be credited to the efficient synergistic effect of the PEI and epoxy monomer.

Recent Advances in Stability Issues of Inorganic Solid Electrolytes and Composite Solid Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Batteries

The development of solid-state batteries has become one of the most promising directions in rechargeable secondary batteries due to their considerable energy densities and favorable safety. However, solid-state batteries with higher energy density and more durable and stable cycle life should be developed for large-scale energy storage and adaption to the rapidly increasing lithium battery production and sales market. Although inorganic solid electrolytes (ISEs) and composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) are relatively advantageous solid-state electrolytes, they also face severe challenges. This review summarizes the main stability issues related to chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electrochemical aspects faced by ISEs and CSEs. The corresponding state-of-the-art improvement strategies have been proposed, including filling of modified particles, electrolyte pore adjustment, electrolyte internal structure arrangement, and interface modification.

Innovative Silver-Based Capping System for Mesoporous Silica Nanocarriers Able to Exploit a Twofold Anticorrosive Mechanism in Composite Polymer Coatings: Tailoring Benzotriazole Release and Capturing Chloride Ions

In this work, engineered stimuli-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were developed and exploited in polymer coatings as multifunctional carriers of a typical corrosion inhibitor, benzotriazole (BTA). In detail, a new capping system based on a BTA-silver coordination complex, able to dissolve in acid and alkaline conditions and to simultaneously tailor the BTA release and the capture of chloride ions, was properly designed and realized. Acrylic coatings embedding the engineered MSNs were deposited onto iron rebar samples and tested for their protective capability in acid and alkaline environments. Results highlighted the high potential of the proposed system for the protection of metals, due to the synergistic effect of the mesoporous structure and the capping system, which guaranteed both the sequestration of chloride ions and the on-demand release of the effective amount of anticorrosive agents able to ensure the enhanced protection of the substrate.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles as carriers of active agents for smart anticorrosive organic coatings: a critical review

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) have attracted increasing interest for their applicability as smart nanocarriers of corrosion inhibitors, due to their porous structure, resistance to main corrosive environments and good compatibility with polymer coatings. In this review, the main synthetic routes to obtain MSN with tailored textural properties, the design of different loading and stimuli-induced release strategies, the development of advanced organic nanocomposite coatings with MSN and the validation of their anticorrosive performances are reviewed and compared. Through a critical analysis of the literature, the most promising research trends and perspectives to exploit the highly interesting properties of MSN in advanced organic coatings are proposed.

Design an Epoxy Coating with TiO2/GO/PANI Nanocomposites for Enhancing Corrosion Resistance of Q235 Carbon Steel

In this work, a ternary TiO₂/Graphene oxide/Polyaniline (TiO₂/GO/PANI) nanocomposite was synthesized by in situ oxidation and use as a filler on epoxy resin (TiO₂/GO/PANI/EP), a bifunctional in situ protective coating has been developed and reinforced the Q235 carbon steel protection against corrosion. The structure and optical properties of the obtained composites are characterized by XRD, FTIR, and UV–vis. Compared to bare TiO₂ and bare Q235, the TiO₂/GO/PANI/EP coating exhibited prominent photoelectrochemical properties, such as the photocurrent density increased 0.06 A/cm² and the corrosion potential shifted from −651 mV to −851 mV, respectively. The results show that the TiO₂/GO/PANI nanocomposite has an extended light absorption range and the effective separation of electron-hole pairs improves the photoelectrochemical performance, and also provides cathodic protection to Q235 steel under dark conditions. The TiO₂/GO/PANI/EP coating can isolate the Q235 steel from the external corrosive environment, and may generally be regarded a useful protective barrier coating to metallic materials. When the TiO₂/GO/PANI composite is dispersed in the EP, the compactness of the coating is improved and the protective barrier effect is enhanced.

Mussel-Inspired Self-Healing Coatings Based on Polydopamine-Coated Nanocontainers for Corrosion Protection

The mussel-inspired properties of dopamine have attracted immense scientific interest for surface modification of nanoparticles due to the high potential of dopamine functional groups to increase the adhesion of nanoparticles to flat surfaces. Here, we report for the first time a novel type of inhibitor-loaded nanocontainer using polydopamine (PDA) as a pH-sensitive gatekeeper for mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). The encapsulated inhibitor (benzotriazole) was loaded into MSNs at neutral pH, demonstrating fast release in an acidic environment. The self-healing effect of water-borne alkyd coatings doped with nanocontainers was achieved by both on-demand release of benzotriazole during the corrosion process and formation of the complexes between the dopamine functional groups and iron oxides, thus providing dual self-healing protection for the mild steel substrate. The coatings were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, visual observations, and confocal Raman microscopy. In all cases, the coatings with embedded benzotriazole-loaded MSNs with PDA-decorated outer surfaces demonstrated superior self-healing effects on the damaged areas. We anticipate that dopamine-based multifunctional gatekeepers can find application potential not only in intelligent self-healing anticorrosive coatings but also in drug delivery, antimicrobial protection, and other fields.

An Anthracene Excimer Fluorescence Probe on Mesoporous Silica for Dual Functions of Detection and Adsorption of Mercury (II) and Copper (II) with Biological In Vivo Applications

Dual functional activity by the same organic-inorganic hybrid material toward selective metal ion detection and its adsorption has drawn more attraction in the field of sensing. However, most of the hybrid materials in the literature are either for sensing studies or adsorption studies. In this manuscript, a fluorescent active hybrid material SiO₂ @PBATPA is synthesized by covalent coupling of anthracene-based chelating ligand N,N'-(propane-1,3-diyl) bis(N-(anthracen-9-ylmethyl)-2-((3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl) amino) acetamide) (PBATPA) within the mesopores of newly synthesized cubic mesoporous silica. The synthetic strategy is designed to form an exclusively intramolecular excimer on a solid surface, which is then used as a sensory tool for selective detection of metal ions through fluorescence quenching by the destruction of excimer upon metal ion binding. The dual functions of sensing and adsorption studies show selectivity toward Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ among various metal ions with detection limits of 37 and 6 ppb, respectively, and adsorption capacities of 482 and 246 mg g^-1 , respectively. This material can be used as a sensory cum adsorbent material in real food samples and living organisms such as the brine shrimp Artemia salina without any toxic effects from the material.

Two-shell structured PMAA@CeO2 nanocontainers loaded with 2-mercaptobenzothiazole for corrosion protection of damaged epoxy coated AA 2024-T3

In this work, novel two-shell structured inhibitor-loaded poly(methacrylic acid)@cerium oxide (PMAA@CeO₂) nanocontainers were synthesised and characterized. The purpose of the nanocontainers is to increase the corrosion protection provided by an epoxy coating applied to an aerospace alloy (AA 2024-T3). The (PMAA@CeO₂) nanocontainers with diameters of 550 nm were synthesised by a four-step process with the method of distillation precipitation polymerization for the synthesis of the inner PMAA layer, and the sol-gel method for the development of the outer CeO₂ layer. The loaded nanocontainers were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopies. The corrosion protection properties of the epoxy coated AA 2024-T3 with 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (2-MBT) loaded PMAA@CeO₂ nanocontainers were evaluated with and without artificial scribes by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results indicated that the epoxy coating containing the 2-MBT-loaded nanocontainers provided enhanced protection of the AA 2024-T3 substrate.

Dual pH-Mediated Mechanized Hollow Zirconia Nanospheres

We demonstrate for the first time how to assemble mechanized hollow zirconia nanospheres (MHzNs), consisting of hollow mesoporous zirconia nanospheres (HMZNs) as nanoscaffolds and supramolecular switches anchored on the exterior surface of HMZNs. The remarkable advantage of substitution of HMZNs for conventional mesoporous silica nanoscaffolds is that HMZNs can suffer the hot alkaline reaction environment, which provides a novel strategy for functionalization and thus achieve dual pH-mediated controlled release functions by simple and practicable assembly procedure. Under neutral solution, cucurbituril[7] (CB[7]) macrocycles complexed with propanone bis(2-aminoethyl)ketal (PBAEK) to form [2]pseudorotaxanes as supramolecular switches, blocking the pore orifices and preventing the undesirable leakage of cargoes. When solution pH was adjusted to alkaline range, CB[7] macrocycles, acting as caps, disassociated from PBAEK stalks and opened the switches due to the dramatic decrease of ion-dipole interactions. While under acidic conditions, PBAEK stalks were broken on account of the cleavage of ketal groups, resulting in the collapse of supramolecular switches and subsequent release of encapsulated cargoes. MHzNs owning dual pH-mediated controlled release characteristic are expected to apply in many fields. In this work, the feasibility of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded MHzNs as targeted drug delivery systems was evaluated. In vitro cellular studies demonstrate that DOX-loaded MHzNs can be easily taken up by SMMC-7721 cells, can rapidly release DOX intracellularly, and can enhance cytotoxicity against tumor cells, proving their potential for chemotherapy.

Smart Mesoporous Silica Nanocapsules as Environmentally Friendly Anticorrosive Pigments

Nowadays there is a special interest to study and develop new smart anticorrosive pigments in order to increase the protection life time of organic coatings and, simultaneously, to find alternatives to conventional toxic and carcinogenic hexavalent chromium compounds. In this respect, the great development of nanotechnologies in recent years has opened up a range of possibilities in the field of anticorrosive paints through the integration of encapsulated nanoscale containers loaded with active components into coatings. By means of a suitable design of the capsule, the release of the encapsulated corrosion inhibitor can be triggered by different external or internal factors (pH change, mechanical damage, etc.) thus preventing spontaneous leakage of the active component and achieving more efficient and economical use of the inhibitor, which is only released upon demand in the affected area. In the present work, the improved anticorrosive behaviour achieved by encapsulated mesoporous silica nanocontainers filled with an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor has been evaluated. It has been proven that a change in the pH allows the rupture of the capsules, the release of the inhibitor, and the successful protection of the carbon steel substrate.

pH-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles employed in controlled drug delivery systems for cancer treatment

In the fight against cancer, controlled drug delivery systems have emerged to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and safety of anti-cancer drugs. Among these systems, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with a functional surface possess obvious advantages and were thus rapidly developed for cancer treatment. Many stimuli-responsive materials, such as nanoparticles, polymers, and inorganic materials, have been applied as caps and gatekeepers to control drug release from MSNs. This review presents an overview of the recent progress in the production of pH-responsive MSNs based on the pH gradient between normal tissues and the tumor microenvironment. Four main categories of gatekeepers can respond to acidic conditions. These categories will be described in detail.

Mechanized silica nanoparticles based on reversible bistable [2]pseudorotaxanes as supramolecular nanovalves for multistage pH-controlled release

Mechanized silica nanoparticles installed with the reversible bistable [2]pseudorotaxanes achieve multistage pH-controlled release of cargoes.

Acid and alkaline dual stimuli-responsive mechanized hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles as smart nanocontainers for intelligent anticorrosion coatings

The present paper introduces an intelligent anticorrosion coating, based on the mechanized hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSs) as smart nanocontainers implanted into the self-assembled nanophase particles (SNAP) coating. As the key component, smart nanocontainers assembled by installing supramolecular nanovalves in the form of the bistable pseudorotaxanes on the external surface of HMSs realize pH-responsive controlled release for corrosion inhibitor, caffeine molecules. The smart nanocontainers encapsulate caffeine molecules at neutral pH, and release the molecules either under acidic or alkaline conditions, which make them spontaneously experience the pH excursions arisen from corrosion process and respond quickly. The intelligent anticorrosion coating was deposited on the surface of aluminum alloy AA2024 and investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET). Compared with the pure SNAP coating, the well-dispersed smart nanocontainers not only delay the penetration rate of corrosive species but also repair damaged aluminum oxide layer to maintain the long term anticorrosion behavior. From the experimental results of SVET, the smart nanocontainers with the acid and alkaline dual stimuli-responsive characteristics can simultaneously suppress corrosion activities on microanodic and microcathodic regions, demonstrating an excellent self-healing functionality.

Preparation of mesoporous nanofibers by vapor phase synthesis: control of mesopore structures with the aid of co-surfactants

Mesoporous nanofibers (MSNFs) can be fabricated in the pores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane using diverse methods. Among them vapor phase synthesis (VPS) provides several advantages over sol-gel or evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) based methods. One powerful advantage is that we can employ multiple surfactants as structural directing agents (SDAs) simultaneously. By adopting diverse pairs of SDAs, we can control the mesopore structures, i.e. pore size, surface area, and even the morphology of mesostructures. Here, we used F127 as a main SDA, which is relatively robust (thus, difficult to change the mesopore structures), and added a series of cationic co-surfactants to observe the systematical changes in their mesostructure with respect to the chain length of the co-surfactant.