Synthesis, Electrochemical, Morphological, Computational and Corrosion Inhibition Studies of 3-(5-Naphthalen-2-yl-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)-pyridine against Mild Steel in 1 M HCl

Abstract

1,3,4-Oxadiazole derivative, namely, 3-(5-naphthalen-2-yl-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)pyridine (NOP) as a corrosion inhibitor against mild steel in 1M HCl has been evaluated using the weight-loss technique (303-323 K), electrochemical analysis [potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)], as well as surface morphology investigations (SEM). Additionally the computational studies such as density functional theory (DFT), the synthesized molecule (NOP) were utilized to better insight into molecular structure and electronic aspects relating to the anti-corrosion activities of the examined inhibitors and to envisage the interaction between designed inhibitors with the mild steel surface. The synthesized molecule (NOP) expressed high inhibition efficiency of 88.62% at an optimal concentration of 500 ppm at 298 K. A mixed-type inhibition mechanism is suggested by potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) analysis. The DFT calculations complement well with the experimental outcomes. This article provides in-depth insights to comprehend the mild steel inhibitor interactions mode and can be very helpful in accentuating the approach to mitigate the metal dissolution occurring in acidic corrosive media.