Synthesis and Assessment of Two Malonyl Dihydrazide Derivatives as Corrosion Inhibitors for Carbon Steel in Acidic Media: Experimental and Theoretical Studies

Exploring the synthesis, characterization, and corrosion inhibition of new tris-thiosemicarbazone derivatives for acidic steel settings using computational and experimental studies

A novel two tri-thiosemicarbazones derivatives, namely 2,2',2''-((2-Hydroxybenzene-1,3,5-triyl)tris(methanylylidene))tris(N-benzylhydrazine-1-carbothioamide) (HBC) and 2,2',2''-((2-hydroxybenzene-1,3,5-triyl) tris (methanylylidene)) tris (N-allylhydrazine-1-carbothioamide) (HAC), have been synthesized and their chemical structures were determined using different spectroscopic and analytical approaches. Then, utilizing methods including open circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the inhibitory effect of the synthesized thiosemicarbazones on mild steel (MS) in an acidic environment (0.5 M H2SO4) was thoroughly investigated. Remarkably, raising the concentration of our recently synthesized tri-thiosemicarbazones HBC and HAC increased the inhibitory efficiency values. The η values of the two investigated tri-thiosemicarbazones derivatives (HAC and HBC), at each concentration are extremely high, and the maximum values of the efficiencies are 98.5% with HAC and 98.8% with HBC at the 800 ppm. The inhibitors adsorbed on the mild steel surface and generated a charge and mass movement barrier that protected the metal from hostile ions. According to polarization curves, HBC and HAC act as mixed-type inhibitors. Electrochemical impedance testing revealed a notable rise in charge transfer resistance (Rct) readings to 4930-Ω cm2, alongside a reduction in the Constant Phase Element (CPE) value to 5.81 μF, suggesting increased effectiveness in preventing corrosion. Also, density functional theory (DFT) was applied to investigate the assembled tri-thiosemicarbazones HBC and HAC. Moreover, the adsorption mechanism of HBC and HAC on the mild steel surface was explored using Monte Carlo simulation. Finally, the theoretical outputs were discovered to support the practical outcomes.

Bishydrazone ligand and its Zn-complex: synthesis, characterization and estimation of scalability inhibition mitigation effectiveness for API 5L X70 carbon steel in 3.5% NaCl solutions

Bishydrazone ligand, 2,2'-thiobis(N'-((E)-thiophen-2-ylmethylene) acetohydrazide), H2TTAH and its Zn- complex were prepared and characterized through elemental analysis and various spectroscopic performances as well as (IR, 1H and 13C NMR, mass and (UV-Vis) measurements. The synthesized complex exhibited the molecular formula [Zn2(H2TTAH)(OH)4(C5H5N)3C2H5OH] (Zn-H2TTAH). To assess their potential as anti-corrosion materials, the synthesized particles were assessed for their effectiveness for API 5L X70 C-steel corrosion in a 3.5% NaCl solution using electrochemical methods such as potentiodynamic polarization (PP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Additionally, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to examine the steel surface treated with the tested inhibitors, confirming the establishment of an adsorbed protecting layer. The results obtained from the PP plots indicated that both H2TTAH and Zn-H2TTAH act as mixed-type inhibitors. At a maximum concentration of 1 × 10-4 M, H2TTAH and Zn-H2TTAH exhibited inhibition efficiencies of 93.4% and 96.1%, respectively. The adsorption of these inhibitors on the steel surface followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and it was determined to be chemisorption. DFT calculations were achieved to regulate the electron donation ability of H2TTAH and Zn-H2TTAH molecules. Additionally, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were conducted to validate the adsorption configurations on the steel surface and gain insight into the corrosion inhibition mechanism facilitated by these molecules.

Cysteine as an Eco-Friendly Anticorrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in Various Acidic Solutions: Electrochemical, Adsorption, Surface Analysis, and Quantum Chemical Calculations

The corrosion of iron in acidic environments has a negative impact on global industry. Herewith, the inhibitory effect of cysteine (Cys.) on mild steel (MSL) corrosion in different acidic solutions (1 M HCl, 1 M H2SO4, and 1 M H3PO4) was investigated through weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and theoretical calculations. The measurement results indicated that the adsorption of Cys. molecules on the metal surface caused corrosion inhibition. As a result, a protective layer or insoluble compound, or both, is obtained, blocking the active sites, preventing corrosion. The effectiveness (IE %) of the Cys. was enhanced by increasing concentration and lowering temperature. The maximum IE % of inhibition at 1 × 10-2 M of Cys. obtained are 97.3, 89.7, and 84.4% in HCl, H3PO4, and H2SO4 solutions, respectively. At the same inhibitor concentration, the double-layer capacity decreased, and the charge-transfer resistance increased from 17.17 to 188.5, 3.564 to 31.91, and 1.325 to 8.715 Ω cm2 in HCl, H3PO4, and H2SO4 solutions, respectively. Adsorption and PDP studies confirmed that it obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and acts as a mixed-type inhibitor of physicochemical nature. The corresponding thermodynamic and kinetic parameters were also calculated and discussed. Moreover, the inhibitory effect on the surface was inspected by SEM. The findings demonstrated that the order of IE % using Cys as anticorrosion agent for MSL is HCl > H3PO4 > H2SO4 solutions.

Novel synthesized triazole derivatives as effective corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel in 1M HCl solution: experimental and computational studies

This article outlines the synthesis of two derivatives of 4-amino-5-hydrazineyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol for the prevention of carbon steel corrosion in 1M HCl solution. These derivatives are (Z)-3-(1-(2-(4-amino-5-mercapto-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)hydrazono)ethyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (TZ1) and 5-(2-(9H-fluoren-9-ylidene)hydrazineyl)-4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol (TZ2). Weight loss, electrochemical experiments, surface examinations, and theoretical computation are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the two compounds to be used as corrosion inhibitors. Weight loss and electrochemical studies demonstrate that these derivatives reduce the corrosion rate of carbon steel. To examine the morphology and constitution of the carbon steel surface submerged in HCl solution as well as after adding inhibitors, surface examination tests are performed. Analysis of the test solution via UV-visible spectroscopy is employed to check the possibility of complex formation between inhibitor molecules and Fe2+ ions released during the corrosion process. In order to explore their biological activity, the antibacterial activity was investigated against (E. coli and Bacillus subtilis). Finally, theoretical confirmation of the experimental findings is provided by quantum chemical (DFT) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation studies. More adsorption sites are present in the derivatives of 4-amino-5-hydrazineyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol, which offer a novel perspective for developing new classes of corrosion inhibitors with substantial protective efficacy, especially at high temperatures.

Electrochemical and DFT studies of Terminalia bellerica fruit extract as an eco-friendly inhibitor for the corrosion of steel

It is well known that metal corrosion causes serious economy losses worldwide. One of the most effective ways to prevent corrosion is the continuous development of high-efficient and environment-friendly corrosion inhibitors. Among the widely used organic and inorganic corrosion inhibitors, plant extracts are top candidates due to their nontoxic nature. The present study reports a novel application of the methanolic extract of Terminalia bellerica fruits as an environment friendly corrosion inhibitor for steel in sulphuric acid medium. The phytochemicals of the extract, namely Ellagic, Gallic, and Malic acids, play a key role of the anti-corrosive behavior of the extract. The corrosion prevention activity was studied on the steel in 1 M H2SO4 using a variety of approaches including weight loss analysis (WL), scanning electron microscope (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), density functional theory (DFT), natural bond orbital analysis (NBO), Fukui function and Monte Carlo simulations (MC). In 1 M H2SO4 solution, the maximum electrochemical inhibition efficiency of 91.79% was observed at 4000 mg/L concentration of the extract. The NBO analysis showed that the charge density of the double bonds and the oxygen atoms of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups of the phytochemicals lies on the top of the natural bond orbitals which promotes the anticorrosive properties of the investigated inhibitors. The surface coverage of steel was validated by SEM measurements. According to DFT studies, numerous nucleophilic regions were present in the active phytochemical constituents of the inhibitor, demonstrating their favorable nucleophilicity. The computed electronic structure of the phytochemicals revealed band gaps of 4.813, 5.444, and 7.562 eV for Ellagic, Gallic, and Malic acids respectively suggesting effective metal-inhibitor interactions. A good correlation between experimental and theoretical findings was addressed.

Synthesis and applications of novel Schiff base derivatives as corrosion inhibitors and additives for improvement of reinforced concrete

The studied Schiff-base compounds in this work are multitasked investigated as corrosion inhibitors and also, to improve the physical and mechanical properties of reinforced concrete. The efficiency inhibition of the two novel Schiff-base compounds named (DHSiMF) and (DHSiB) for corrosion of carbon-steel in aqueous media of 1 M HCl was assessed via electrochemical methods and loss in weight. FT-IR, 1H-NMR spectra and elemental analysis were used to confirm the structure of such compounds. It was found to have successful inhibition even at low concentrations in tested media, as an increase in inhibitor concentration led to an improvement in the inhibition efficiency. The weight loss results clearly demonstrate that DHSiMF of C-steel in 1 M HCl has a higher inhibition efficiency than DHSiB, with a maximum inhibition efficiency (85%) attained at 1 × 10-2 M from DHSiMF. Electrochemical experiments likewise revealed the same order, but with a maximal inhibitory efficiency of 98.1%. The addition of inhibitors to the corrosive media dramatically changed the anodic Tafel constants (βa) and cathodic Tafel constants (βc), indicating a mixed type nature. Electrochemical polarization curves illustrated the functions of mixed-type inhibition and the action of adsorption matching with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The ∆Gads values for DHSiMF and DHSiB at temperatures (ranging from 303 to 333 K) are - 34.42 kilojoule/mole to - 37.51 kilojoule/mole. These values indicate that the compounds' adsorption types are chemo-physical adsorption. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments were used to check the existence of the protection layer on the surface of carbon steel by analyzing the morphologies of the corrosion effects and the formed chemical compositions of the corrosion outcomes. For the concrete, the findings suggest that the chemical reaction that takes place between the DHSiMF and DHSiB and the concrete mix will result in an increase in the flexural strength, the compressive strength, and the indirect tensile strength of the concrete that is made of the gravel and dolomite aggregate.

Insight into the corrosion mitigation performance of three novel benzimidazole derivatives of amino acids for carbon steel (X56) in 1 M HCl solution

Three new organic molecules having a benzimidazole base were synthesized and used for the protection of carbon steel (X56) against corrosion in 1.00 M HCl solution. The protection against corrosion was assessed by electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP). In addition, the electronic and molecular structure of the synthesized molecules were computationally investigated and correlated to corrosion inhibition. Global reactivity descriptors, molecular orbitals (FMO and NBO) and local reactivity descriptors (molecular electrostatic potential map and Fukui functions) were discussed. The results showed a maximum protective efficiency range between 95% and 98% indicating high corrosion inhibition. Moreover, all molecules were able to combat the cathodic as well as anodic reaction simultaneously, revealing a mixed-type resistance. SEM and EDX verified effective adhering film formation to the metal surface. In accordance, the theoretical calculations showed effective electron reallocation from the organic film to the X56 c-steel surface. Furthermore, the adsorption annealing calculations revealed that structural layers of these molecules hold parallel and close to the metal surface with adsorption energy from 249.383 to 380.794 kcal mol^-1, showing strong inhibitor-metal contact.

Ethyl ester/acyl hydrazide-based aromatic sulfonamides: facile synthesis, structural characterization, electrochemical measurements and theoretical studies as effective corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in 1.0 M HCl

In this research paper, aromatic sulfonamide-derived ethyl ester (p-TSAE) and its acyl hydrazide (p-TSAH) were directly synthesized, characterized, and employed for the first time as prospective anticorrosive agents to protect mild steel in 1.0 M HCl conditions. The corrosion efficiency was probed by electrochemical methods including polarization, impedance, and frequency modulation measurements. Optimal efficiencies of 94% and 92% were detected for the hydrazide and ester, respectively, revealing excellent corrosion inhibition. Moreover, both the hydrazide and ester molecules combat the cathodic and anodic reactions correspondingly in a mixed-type manner. The electron transfer (ET) at the inhibitor/metal interface was evaluated using DFT at the B3LYP/6-31g(d,p) level. Natural bond orbital analysis (NBO) and frontier molecular orbital analysis (FMO) calculations showed superior capabilities of the synthesized inhibitors to easily reallocate charge into the metal surface. However, the hydrazide molecules showed slightly better inhibition efficiency than the ester due to the strong interaction between the lone pairs of the nitrogen atoms and the d-orbitals of the metal. The chemical hardness of the hydrazide and ester are 2.507 and 2.511 eV, respectively, in good accordance with the recorded electrochemical inhibition efficiencies for both molecules. Good and straightforward correlations between the experiments and calculations are obtained.

Insights into the adsorption and corrosion inhibition properties of newly synthesized diazinyl derivatives for mild steel in hydrochloric acid: synthesis, electrochemical, SRB biological resistivity and quantum chemical calculations

Two azo derivatives, 4-((4-hydroxy-3-((4-oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-5-ylidene)methyl)phenyl) diazinyl) benzenesulfonic acid (TODB) and 4-((3-((4,4-dimethyl-2,6-dioxocyclohexylidene) methyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl)diazinyl) benzenesulfonic acid (DODB) were synthesized and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) and mass spectral studies. Gravimetric methods, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM) techniques and inductive coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy were used to verify the above two compounds' ability to operate as mild steel (MS) corrosion inhibitors in 1 M HCl. Tafel data suggest that TODB and DODB have mixed-type characteristics, and EIS findings demonstrate that increasing their concentration not only alters the charge transfer (R _ct) of mild steel from 6.88 Ω cm² to 112.9 Ω cm² but also changes the capacitance of the adsorbed double layer (C _dl) from 225.36 to 348.36 μF cm^-2. At 7.5 × 10^-4 M concentration, the azo derivatives showed the highest corrosion inhibition of 94.9% and 93.6%. The inhibitory molecule adsorption on the metal substrate followed the Langmuir isotherm. The thermodynamic activation functions of the dissolution process were also calculated as a function of inhibitor concentration. UV-vis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques were used to confirm the adsorption phenomenon. The quantum chemical parameters, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICPE) measurements, and the anti-bacterial effect of these new derivatives against sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were also investigated. Taken together, the acquired results demonstrate that these compounds can create an appropriate preventing surface and regulate the corrosion rate.

Synthesis, Characterization, Thermodynamic Analysis and Quantum Chemical Approach of Branched N, N′-bis(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-Based Propanediamine and Triethylenetetramine for Carbon Steel Corrosion Inhibition in Hydrochloric Acid Medium

The influence of branched N, N′-bis(p-hydroxybenzoyl) containing propylenediamine (PDA) and triethylenetetramine (TETA) composites for corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in acidic solution (1 M HCl) was investigated using several quantum chemical, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization as electrochemical techniques. The investigated molecules were posteriorly characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) while the surfaces of carbon steel test coupons were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The obtained results revealed that the two amino compounds, N, N′-bis(p-hydroxybenzoyl) propanediamine (N, N′-HBPDA) and N, N′-bis(p-hydroxybenzoyl) triethylenetetramine (N, N′-HBTETA), have significant efficiency toward steel corrosion attack and its inhibition performance was significantly boosted by increasing concentration of di- and tetramine containing inhibitors. The two inhibitors achieved a maximum corrosion inhibition efficiency of 99.1% as indicated from polarization measurements. The isotherm feature of Langmuir adsorption appeared to be proper factor for associating the experimental gains with an applicable mechanism of inhibition process. The free energy ∆Gads was calculated to be − 27.5, 29.1 kJ/mol based on the adsorption isotherm model, indicating physical adsorption on the carbon steel surface. Further, images of the morphological analysis exhibited various features of attack owing to the aggressive medium and the employed concentration of the inhibitor. These synthesized amines supplied many favorable scores in the fabrication of functional mixed-type inhibitors. The computational studies reveal that N, N′-HBPDA and N, N′-HBTETA molecules could absorb via several lone pairs and π clouds, confirming their ability to be good corrosion inhibitors.

Surface protection against corrosion of Ni turbine blades by electrophoretic deposition of MnO2, TiO2 and TiO2-C nanocoating

The turbine blades of turbochargers are corroded after being cleaned with water in the presence of gasses produced during the combustion of heavy fuel. For that, manganese oxide (MnO₂), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and titanium oxide-graphene (TiO₂-C) nanomaterials have been coated on the nickel alloy, which is the composition of turbine blades, by the electrophoretic deposition technique for protection against the corrosion process. The anticorrosion performance of nanomaterial coatings has been investigated using electrochemical methods such as open circuit potential, potentiodynamic, electrochemical impedance, and linear polarization resistance in a 1 M H₂SO₄ solution saturated with carbon dioxide. The corrosion rate of nanomaterial-coated Ni-alloy was lower than bare alloy, and potential corrosion increased from -0.486 V for uncoated Ni-alloy to -0.252 V versus saturated calomel electrode for nanomaterial coated Ni-alloy electrodes. Electrochemical measurements show that TiO₂ coated Ni-alloy corrosion has good protective qualities, with an efficiency of 99.91% at 0.146 mA cm² current density in sulfuric acid media. The findings of this study clearly show that TiO₂ has a high potential to prevent nickel alloy turbine blades from corrosion in acidic media. Furthermore, the surface morphologies have revealed that TiO₂ and MnO₂ coatings might successfully block an acid assault due to the high adhesion of the protective layer on the nickel alloy surface. The use of X-ray diffraction (XRD) enhanced the various measures used to determine and study the composition of the alloy surface's protective coating.

Corrosion mitigation for steel in acid environment using novel p-phenylenediamine and benzidine coumarin derivatives: synthesis, electrochemical, computational and SRB biological resistivity

Three novel p-phenylenediamine and benzidine coumarin derivatives were synthetized, namely: 4,4'-((((1,4-phenylenebis(azaneylylidene))bis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene))bis(2-oxo-2H-chromene-3,6-diyl))bis(diazene-2,1-diyl))dibenzenesulfonic acid (PhODB), 4,4'-(((-([1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-diylbis(azaneylylidene))bis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene))bis(2-oxo-2H-chromene-3,6-diyl))bis(diazene-2,1-diyl))dibenzenesulfonic acid (BODB) and 4,4'-(((-((3,3'-dimethoxy-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-diyl)bis(azaneylylidene))bis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene))bis(2-oxo-2H-chromene-3,6-iyl))bis(diazene-2,1-diyl))dibenzenesulfonic acid (DODB). Their chemical structures were proved by performing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry analysis. The synthesized p-phenylenediamine and benzidine coumarin derivatives were tested as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel (MS) in 1 M HCl solution using weight loss, electrochemical, morphological, and theoretical studies. The compound 3,3'-dimethoxy benzidine coumarin derivative (DODB) was proved to give the highest efficiency with 94.98% obtained from weight loss measurements. These compounds are mixed inhibitors, as seen by the polarization curves. Impedance diagrams showed that when the concentration of these derivatives rose, the double-layer capacitance fell and the charge transfer resistance increased. Calculated thermodynamic parameters were computed and the mechanism of adsorption was also studied for the synthesized p-phenylenediamine and benzidine coumarin derivatives. The ability of the synthesized derivatives to protect the surface against corrosion was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV-visible spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Theoretical chemical calculations (DFT) and biological resistivity (SRB) were investigated.

Study of the Corrosion of Nickel-Chromium Alloy in an Acidic Solution Protected by Nickel Nanoparticles

This study uses nickel nanoparticles coated on the nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) alloy by the electrodeposition technique to protect the alloy against corrosion. An open-circuit potential and potentiodynamic and linear polarization resistance in a 1 M H₂SO₄ solution saturated with carbon dioxide were used to study the anticorrosion performance of nanoparticle coatings. When coated with nanomaterials, the corrosion rate of Ni-Cr alloy was lower than when it was bare, and the potential for corrosion increased from -0.433 V for uncoated Ni-Cr alloy to -0.103 V when the electrodes were exposed to saturated calomel. Electrochemical experiments show that nickel-coated Ni-Cr alloy corrosion in sulfuric acid media has high protective characteristics, with an efficiency of 83.69% at 0.165 mA/cm² current density when pH = 1 is used. As demonstrated by the results of this research, the nickel-chromium alloy can be protected from corrosion in acidic media by a low-acidity bath coating layer. Surface morphologies have shown that coatings at different acidic scales may be able to resist an acid attack because of their excellent adherence to the nickel-chromium alloy surface. Measures for determining and studying the composition of the alloy surface's protective covering were improved using X-ray diffraction (XRD).

Anticorrosion Study for Brass Alloys in Heat Exchangers during Acid Cleaning Using Novel Gemini Surfactants Based on Benzalkonium Tetrafluoroborate

For a variety of applications, the brass alloy has been utilized to replace titanium tubes in heat exchangers. Copper alloys' high corrosion rate during the acid cleaning procedure remains a significant concern. To inhibit the corrosion of brass alloys, we prepared two novel gemini surfactants (GSs), N ₁,N ₃-dibenzyl-N ₁,N ₁,N ₃,N ₃-tetramethylpropane-1,3-diaminium tetrafluoroborate (I H) and N ₁,N ₁,N ₃,N ₃-tetramethyl-N ₁,N ₃-bis (4-methyl benzyl) propane-1,3-diaminium tetrafluoroborate (I Me), and they were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Their inhibition performance against corrosion of brass alloys in 1 M HCl was studied using electrochemical techniques including potentiodynamic polarization (PP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and electrochemical frequency modulation. The inhibition effect of the synthesized compounds was high, and it increased as the inhibitor's concentration was increased. The maximum level of inhibition efficiency was achieved at an inhibitor concentration of 100 ppm, reaching 96.42% according to PP measurements. From Langmuir data, the mechanisms of adsorption of the two GSs on the surface of copper was found to be physisorption and chemisorption adsorption. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy show that the addition of the two compounds lowers the dissolution of brass ions in the corrosive solution and forms a protective layer on the surface of the brass.

Effective corrosion inhibition of mild steel in hydrochloric acid by newly synthesized Schiff base nano Co(ii) and Cr(iii) complexes: spectral, thermal, electrochemical and DFT (FMO, NBO) studies

Two new cobalt(ii) and chromium(iii) complexes were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, ¹HNMR, UV, elemental analysis, TGA, conductivity, XRD, SEM, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Structural analysis revealed a bi-dentate chelation and octahedral geometry for the synthesized complexes. The optical band gap of the Co(ii)-L and Cr(iii)-L complexes was found to be 3.00 and 3.25 eV, respectively revealing semiconducting properties. The X-ray diffraction patterns showed nano-crystalline particles for the obtained complexes. In addition, the synthesized metal complexes were examined as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in HCl solution. The electrochemical investigations showed a maximum inhibition efficiency of 96.60% for Co(ii)-L and 95.45% for Cr(iii)-L where both complexes acted as mixed-type inhibitors. Frontier Molecular orbital (FMO) and Natural bond orbital (NBO) computations showed good tendency of the ligand to donate electrons to the metal through nitrogen atoms while the resultant complexes tended to donate electrons to mild steel more effectively through oxygen atoms and phenyl groups. A comparison between experimental and theoretical findings was considered through the discussion.

Two Co(ii) and Cr(iii) complexes were synthesized, characterized and examined as corrosion inhibitors. The electrochemical data showed high inhibition efficiencies with mixed-type behavior. FMO and NBO were considered for the computational analysis.