Chitosan/tannic acid phenamine networks-hollow mesoporous silica capsules with reversible pH response: Controlled-releasing amino acid derivatives as “green” corrosion inhibitor

Abstract

A novel amino acid derivative (SM) was synthesized through Schiff base reaction between syringaldehyde (SA) and methionine (MTI), and loaded to obtain a reversible pH-responsive releasing corrosion inhibitor silica capsule (CS/TA@SM@HMSs) with chitosan/tannic acid phenamine networks on the surface. The corrosion inhibition effect of SM and CS/TA@SM@HMSs on Q235 was studied using electrochemical techniques and surface analysis. The results showed the maximum inhibition efficiency of SM reached to 93.2 % at 200ppm by immersing Q235 in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The theoretically calculated electron parameter (the energy gap ΔE = 4.492 eV) indicated that SM molecules were more susceptible to electron transfer with iron surfaces therefore allowing better adsorption on carbon steel surfaces to prevent corrosion. Meanwhile, UV–visible measurements showed that the chitosan/tannic acid phenamine network on the capsule surface responded to changes in pH. The reversible pH-responsive corrosion inhibitor capsule can be switched on and off several times to release SM, demonstrating reversible release and efficient corrosion protection. This study proposes a novel class of “green” amino acid derivative corrosion inhibitors, and establishes a controllable, efficient and reversible pH-responsive release system. A new approach is provided to stimulating the release of corrosion inhibitors in response to long-term corrosion protection of metals.