Evaluation of 14-(p-tolyl)-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthene as a highly efficient organic corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl: Electrochemical, theoretical, and surface characterization
Azzeddine Belkheiri, Khadija Dahmani, Mohamed Khattabi, Khaoula Mzioud, Otmane Kharbouch, M. Galai, Nadia Dkhireche, Zakaria Benzekri, Saı̈d Boukhris, Rafa Almeer, Basheer M. Al‐Maswari, M. Ebn Touhamı
Abstract
Corrosion of mild steel, particularly in acidic environments such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), remains a critical issue due to its impact on material durability, economic costs, and safety concerns. This study introduces 14-(p-tolyl)-14H-dibenzo[ a , j ]xanthene (ZM5), a novel and highly effective organic corrosion inhibitor, to mitigate this challenge. Employing advanced electrochemical techniques: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), we evaluated ZM5’s performance in a 1 M HCl solution, revealing an impressive inhibition efficiency of 94.7 %. Surface characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) further confirmed the formation of a robust protective film on the steel surface, shedding light on ZM5’s adsorption mechanisms. Complementing the experimental findings, Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations provided theoretical insights into the anti-corrosion mechanism of ZM5, aligning well with observed results. These findings underscore ZM5's potential as a highly promising corrosion inhibitor for industrial applications, effectively enhancing the corrosion resistance of mild steel in aggressive environments.