New Gemini surfactants based on alkyl benzenaminium: Synthesis and links to application of corrosion protection

Abstract

Gemini surfactants attracted researchers to investigate their properties and applications. In this regard, a new group (three compounds) of Gemini surfactants based on alkyl benzenaminium with different length in the terminal alkyl groups was synthesized in this study. The chemical structures of the new of Gemini surfactants were confirmed by elemental identification, FT-IR, and 1H NMR analysis. Various electrochemical methods were used to investigate the anticorrosion and adsorption properties of new Gemini surfactants. The results showed that the three Gemini surfactants are very effective to inhibit the corrosion of carbon steel in 1.0 M HCl solution with high inhibition efficiencies ≈ 95% and 99%. According to the adsorption studies, the prepared Gemini surfactants adsorbed on the steel surface in the form of a monolayer without lateral interlink between the molecules. In addition, the dominant adsorption of Gemini surfactants is the physisorption type.