Eco-friendly Corrosion Inhibitor Research Articles

Expired antihypertensive drugs as eco-friendly and efficient corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel in CO2-saturated oilfield water: Experimental and theoretical approaches

In the process of oil and gas exploitation, it is crucial for the corrosion protection of carbon steel in oil and gas exploitation to develop highly efficient and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors. Expired antihypertensive drugs (candesartan and valsartan) can be used as eco-friendly, low-cost and efficient green corrosion inhibitors. The corrosion inhibition performance and adsorption mechanisms of candesartan (CST) and valsartan (VST) for carbon steel in CO2-saturated oilfield water were investigated by weight loss tests, electrochemical measurements, surface analysis and theoretical calculations. The weight loss test results show that the corrosion inhibition efficiencies of 400 ppm (0.9 mM) VST and CST are 89.33 and 95.83% at 333 K, respectively. The polarization curves results indicate that VST and CST resist both anodic and cathodic reactions and function as mixed-inhibitors. The adsorption behavior of VST and CST follows the Langmuir adsorption model. Moreover, the adsorption modes of VST and CST involve physisorption and chemisorption. The results of theoretical calculations suggest that the adsorption of VST and CST on metal surface is mainly achieved by bonding N/O atoms to Fe atoms. Furthermore, the adsorbed films formed by CST and VST can inhibit the diffusion process of corrosive particles more effectively, thereby protecting the carbon steel from corrosion more efficiently. The results obtained from quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations confirm the experimental findings and provide further insight into the mode of adsorption.

Fish processing discards extract as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in hydrochloric acid

The objective of this study is to extract amino acids from fish processing discards for the preparation of highly effective and degradable corrosion inhibitors. The composition of fish processing discards extract (FPDE) was characterized by HPLC and FTIR. The results showed that the main components of FPDE are amino acids and contain a large number of unsaturated functional groups. Electrochemical techniques (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel), surface analysis (XPS and AFM), and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) were conducted to investigate the corrosion inhibition mechanism of FPDE for carbon steel in 1 mol/L HCl. As shown by electrochemical tests, FPDE exhibits mixed-type corrosion inhibition with a maximum inhibition efficiency of 93.3%. FPDE exhibits excellent corrosion inhibition properties on carbon steel surfaces by forming a high coverage film through chemisorption and physisorption. Indeed, the advantages of remarkable inhibition efficiency and facile extraction methods allow FPDE to become a promising corrosion inhibitor for practical applications.

Guar Gum as an Eco-Friendly Corrosion Inhibitor for N80 Carbon Steel under Sweet Environment in Saline Solution: Electrochemical, Surface, and Spectroscopic Studies.

In this study, the corrosion inhibition performance of the natural polysaccharide guar gum (GG) for N80 carbon steel in CO2-saturated saline solution at different temperatures and immersion times was investigated by weight loss and electrochemical measurements. The results have revealed that GG showed good inhibition performance at lower and higher temperatures. The inhibition efficiency observed via weight loss measurements reached 76.16 and 63.19% with 0.4 g L-1 of GG, at 25 and 50 °C, respectively. The inhibition efficiency of GG increased as the inhibitor concentration and immersion time increased but decreased with increasing temperature. EIS measurements have shown that, even after prolonged exposure, GG was still able to protect the metal surface. Potentiodynamic measurements showed the mixed-type nature of GG inhibitive action. The Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich adsorption isotherm models give accurate fitting of the estimated data, and the calculated parameters indicated that the adsorption of GG occurred mainly via an electrostatic or physical adsorption process. The associated activation energy (Ea) and the heat of adsorption (Qa) supported the physical adsorption nature of GG. FTIR analysis was used to explain the adsorption interaction between the inhibitor and the N80 carbon steel surface. SEM-EDS and AFM confirmed the adsorption of GG and the formation of an adsorptive layer of GG on the metal surface.

Investigation of two triazine derivatives as potential eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for copper in artificial seawater

The inhibiting action of 6-N,N-bis(6-methylheptyl)amine-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiolmono-sodium, (iso-DON) and 6-dibutylamino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol monosodium (DBN) on the corrosion of copper in artificial seawater (3.5 wt% NaCl solution) has been investigated using weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The results from weight loss and electrochemical measurements consistently identify that both iso-DON and DBN exhibit good performance as inhibitor for copper corrosion in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution and the inhibition efficiency increases with the increase in inhibitor concentration. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements reveal that the studied triazine dithiol derivatives act as mix-type inhibitors, and the maximum value of the inhibition efficiency was obtained (93 % for iso-DON and 95 % for DBN) when the inhibitor concentration reaches 1.5 mM. EIS imply that the corrosion of copper in NaCl solution is influenced by charge transfer. The adsorption of iso-DON and DBN molecules on copper surface was found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Parameters for adsorption indicate a strong interaction between inhibitor molecules and copper surface, and the negative values of ΔGθ reveal the spontaneous adsorption of iso-DON and DBN on copper surface.

Comprehensive assessment of some l-amino acids as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in HCl: Insights from experimental and theoretical studies

In this study, the corrosion inhibition performance of l-asparagine (L-Asp), l-isoleucine (L-Iso), and l-proline (L-Pro) amino acids as eco-friendly compounds was investigated on mild steel coupons immersed in 0.5 M HCl solution. To this end, gravimetric analysis, electrochemical techniques, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and quantum chemical/molecular dynamics simulations were employed. At 1000 ppm, L-Asp, L-Iso, and L-Pro show the inhibition efficiencies of around 95%, 93%, and 91%, respectively. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm holds well for all three inhibitors, and based on the thermodynamic data, the adsorption of these inhibitors to the steel surface is involved both physisorption and chemisorption. As evidenced by the XPS results, the donor-acceptor interactions between the heteroatoms (namely, N) and surface Fe atoms play a pivotal role in the chemisorption. In line with the experimental findings, theoretical simulations unveiled potential binding sites accountable for the molecular adsorption on the surface of the steel, thereby providing insights into the underlying mechanism of corrosion inhibition.

Insight into anti-corrosion behavior of protein extract as eco–friendly corrosion inhibitor

In this study, corrosion inhibitors from waste protein were extracted, and their anti–corrosion behavior was investigated on a laboratory–scale. The functional groups of the protein waste extract (PWE) were identified using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. High–performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the variety and concentration of the amino acids. The efficiency of the inhibitor was assessed by electrochemical experiments. The results show that PWE, as an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor, has the highest corrosion inhibition efficiency of up to 96.2% at a temperature of 298 K and a concentration of 1000 ppm. The mechanism of PWE was evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X–ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS). The findings demonstrated that the PWE contains 17 different types of amino acids that can effectively adsorb onto the metal and inhibit the corrosion reaction of steel in an acidic environment. The polarization curve confirmed that the PWE was a mixed type of inhibitor. This work could provide useful insights into the development and utilization of eco–friendly corrosion inhibitors.

Green synthesis of functionalized fluorescent carbon dots from biomass and their corrosion inhibition mechanism for copper in sulfuric acid environment

The design of new corrosion inhibitors for metallic copper is an important path to ensure that it is not corroded in a wide range of applications such as chemical and electronic industries. In this article, carbon dots with fluorescence properties are synthesized as corrosion inhibitors from green biomass through the hydrothermal method. This method does not generate a large number of waste solvents and toxic byproducts, and has excellent potential to replace other methods. Structural characterizations reveal that the biomass carbon dots (BCDs) contain a significant number of heteroatoms (such as N and S) and heteroatom-containing functional groups, which align with the general properties of corrosion inhibitors. The electrochemical analysis demonstrates an impedance value of 6314.1 Ω cm2 in a 50 mg/L BCD solution at 298 K, significantly higher than that observed in the blank solution, resulting in a corrosion inhibition efficiency of 92.97%. Morphological characterizations reveal that BCDs protect copper through adsorption and coordination film mechanisms. BCDs physically adsorb onto the copper surface and chemically coordinate with Cu+ to form a dense and ordered protective film. Notably, we utilize the fluorescence properties of BCDs as a probe to investigate the protective mechanisms of corrosion inhibitors on metals. Overall, the BCDs show great potential as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for copper protection, offering a new direction in corrosion research and practical applications.

Shell of Viviparid Snail as an Eco-Friendly Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steel in 1 M HCl

The shell of viviparid snail extract (SVSE) was prepared by a simple and environmentally friendly hydrolysis method and the corrosion inhibition of carbon steel (CS) by SVSE in 1 M HCl was investigated. HPLC and FTIR analysis showed that the main component of SVSE was a mixture of various amino acids. The results of electrochemical and surface analysis showed that SVSE is a hybrid corrosion inhibitor with a corrosion inhibition efficiency of 95.23%. In addition, the adsorption behavior of SVSE on CS surfaces was also investigated in depth by adsorption isotherms, quantum chemistry (QC) and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS).

A study on the anti-corrosion mechanism of the eco-friendly inhibitor Ribavirin on Q235 steel in an acidic chloride environment

Developing efficient and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors to replace traditional toxic and harmful ones is necessary for protecting the ecological environment. Herein, we have developed an eco-friendly drug corrosion inhibitor, Ribavirin (RBVR), which could effectively inhibit Q235 steel corrosion in 1 M HCl solution. EIS results showed that RBVR slowed down the corrosion rate of steel, and η could reach up to 97.7 % when the concentration of RBVR was only 10 mM. The potentiodynamic polarization curve results indicated that RBVR was a modest mixed-type corrosion inhibitor that could inhibit steel anodic and cathodic reactions. The adsorption isotherm and theoretical calculations revealed that the adsorption of RBVR on the steel surface was in the form of parallel adsorption, which maximized the protection of steel. The adsorption of RBVR molecules on the steel was mainly based on the N and O heteroatoms as the active adsorption centers. A monolayer protective film was formed on the steel surface, which retarded the dissolution of active sites. This work will provide a theoretical basis for developing novel, efficient, eco-friendly organic inhibitors and promoting their industrial application.

Experimental and theoretical insights into Oxalis corniculata L. extract as a sustainable and eco–friendly corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in acidic environments

In this work, Oxalis corniculata L. was effectively extracted as a corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in 1 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid (HCl). Oxalis corniculate L. extract (OCLE) was produced by grinding, distilling with ultrapure water, and drying. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PP), and potential of zero charge (PZC) were used to test the performance of the OCLE. The corrosion inhibition behavior of OCLE was microscopically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). OCLE contains monosaccharide molecules identified by high–performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, quantum chemical (QC) calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results showed that OCLE contains monosaccharide molecules that can form adsorption films on carbon steel through O and N to inhibit corrosion. Electrochemical experimental results showed that the corrosion inhibition efficiency increased with concentration and decreased with increasing temperature. At 298 K, the corrosion inhibition efficiency of 500 mg/L OCLE was 93.68%. The adsorption of OCLE on the carbon steel substrate was under the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, which was mixture adsorption. This study provides new ideas for inhibiting metal corrosion and provides theoretical support for the application of eco–friendly corrosion inhibitors.

Investigation of triazole derivatives as corrosion inhibitors on Q235 steel in NaCl solution: Experimental and theoretical studies

Triazole derivatives were synthesised as a new eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor, called C207, which was used in NaCl solutions to protect Q235 steel from corrosion. Electrochemical measurements verified its excellent performance. It was an anode corrosion inhibitor and maintained over 96 % (50 mg/L) inhibition within 48 h. Surface morphology and structure analysis showed that coordination bonds were formed between C207 and Q235 steel. As a result, C207 strongly adsorbed on the surface of steel and made it smooth. Quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed these experimental studies. It was suggested that C207 could be a potential corrosion inhibitor for applications in harsh seawater environments.

Electrochemical evaluation of the anti-corrosion potential of selected amino acids on magnesium in aqueous sodium chloride solutions

PurposeIn line with current research efforts to develop eco-friendly strategies for corrosion mitigation, the purpose of this study is to appraise the anti-corrosion potential of selected amino acids on magnesium corrosion in sodium chloride solutions.Design/methodology/approachThe corrosion inhibition of magnesium in aqueous solutions in the presence of benign, eco-friendly and readily available amino acids (alanine, arginine, histidine, lysine, proline) were evaluated using electrochemical methods.FindingsAmino acids suppressed magnesium corrosion rate in aqueous sodium chloride solutions. The order of inhibition efficiency (%IE) was as follows: alanine < arginine < histidine < lysine < proline. The open circuit potential shift with respect to the blank was less than 0.085 VSCE, indicating that the amino acids are mixed-type corrosion inhibitors. In addition, the %IE of the amino acids was inversely proportional to the molecular weight. The results obtained indicate that the amino acids can serve as sustainable eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for magnesium with the best inhibition efficiency attributed to proline with an efficiency of 85.1%.Originality/valueNew information on the application of amino acids as green sustainable corrosion inhibitors is provided herein.

Efficient inhibition of mild steel corrosion in acidic medium by novel pyrimidine derivatives: Inhibitive effect evaluation and interface adsorption mechanism

In the pickling, oil well acidification, and other industrial processes, mild steel would suffer from severe corrosion in the acidic environment. In this work, two novel pyrimidine derivatives, 2-Benzylthio-6-methylpyrimidin-4(3H)-one (BMPO) and 4-Benzyloxy-2-benzylthio-6-methylpyrimidine (BBMP), were synthesized through nucleophilic substitution reaction, and used as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in HCl medium. The corrosion inhibition properties of BMPO and BBMP were investigated using electrochemical tests, surface analyses, and theoretical calculations. The experimental results indicate that BMPO and BBMP have superior inhibition effect, with high inhibition efficiency (99.28% and 99.69% at 0.6 mM) and good corrosion inhibition stability. Theoretical calculations reveal that the interface adsorption of BMPO and BBMP is achieved by the bonding of N, S, O atoms and the benzene ring to steel surface. The protonation of BMPO and BBMP molecules could further promote their adsorption. Compared to BMPO, the modification with more benzyl groups lowers the polarity and increases the hydrophobicity of BBMP. Then BBMP molecules could adsorb on steel surface to create a hydrophobic film with a large coverage, which accounts for the better corrosion inhibition effect of BBMP.

Synthesized novel carbon dots as green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in hydrochloric acid: Gravimetric, electrochemical and morphological studies

Carbon dots (CDs), mainly heteroatom-doped CDs, have been recognized as efficient eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors due to their low cost, excellent chemical stability, good water solubility, and nontoxic properties. Inspired by this, in present investigation a pair of nitrogen-doped eco-friendly CDs (CD1 and CD2) have been synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal technique, and their anticorrosion performance for the mild steel (MS) in 15 % HCl solution has been studied. The synthesized CD1 and CD2 have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The anticorrosion proficiency of the CD1 and CD2 have been studied using weight-loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic studies and it was found that obtained results are in agreement with each other at all concentrations. Corrosion inhibition efficiency of both inhibitors increases with increasing concentration and reaching 96.8 % (CD1) and 94.7 % (CD2) after 6 h immersion at 150 ppm concentration. The adsorption of inhibitors CD1 and CD2 on MS obeyed Langmuir adsorption isotherm and physical adsorption process. Potentiodynamic polarization study suggested that CD1 and CD2 act as mixed type inhibitor and alter the rates of anodic dissolution of MS and cathodic hydrogen evaluation reaction simultaneously. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and XPS studies confirmed the formation of protective film of inhibitor molecules at the MS surface.

Enhanced corrosion and tribocorrosion behavior of plasma electrolytic oxidized coatings on 5052 aluminum alloy with addition of pullulan to silicate electrolyte

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) ceramic coatings were fabricated on a 5052 aluminum (Al) alloy using a silicate-based electrolyte with the pullulan addition, and the effects of different pullulan concentrations on the corrosion and tribocorrosion resistance of the coatings were investigated. The morphology, chemical composition, phase structure, and mechanical properties of the coatings were observed via scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scratching. The corrosion and tribocorrosion properties were evaluated via electrochemical tests and tribocorrosion tests in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, respectively. As a result of the pullulan addition, the phase structure of the coatings was slightly affected, but their microstructure and mechanical properties were significantly altered. The PEO coating displayed the smallest pore size and densest structure at a concentration of pullulan addition of 1.0 g/L. The corrosion current density of PEO coating was 2.41 × 10−8 A/cm2, which was two orders of magnitude lower than that of the Al alloy substrate. In addition, under tribocorrosion conditions, the wear rate of PEO coating was only 4.6 × 10−6 mm3N−1m−1, which was 91.8 % lower than that of the substrate, indicating excellent corrosion and tribocorrosion resistance. This study provides guidelines for the development of a sustainable and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for PEO coatings on Al alloys.

Electrochemical and DFT theoretical evaluation of the Randia monantha Benth extract as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl solution

BackgroundDue to the growing concern about environmental pollution caused by commercial corrosion inhibitors, the anticorrosive properties of several natural products have been studied. MethodsThe present work assessed the inhibition performance of Randia monantha pulp and seed (RMPS) extract on corrosion of A36 mild steel in 1M HCl solution through weight loss and electrochemical measurements such as potentiodynamic polarization curves (PPC) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Surface analysis was carried out using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Chemical characterization of RMPS extract and theoretical studies of its chief compounds were performed by spectroscopic studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, respectively. Significant findingsElectrochemical measurements results showed that corrosion inhibition increased as inhibitor concentration increased, achieving an acceptable inhibition efficiency of 91% at 1000 ppm. Polarization curves indicated that molecules of RMPS acted as a mixed-type inhibitor and their adsorption process obey the Langmuir isotherm manly by physisorption mechanism. Examination of corroded steel surface by SEM and EDS confirmed the adsorption of compounds presented in the extract. The chemical quantum calculations allowed to obtain electronic properties of the chief compounds of the natural extract and explained the inhibitor/metal surface interactions and adsorptions modes.

Hairy bamboo leaf extract as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for L245N steel in CO2-saturated oilfield produced water

Abstract The inhibition of the corrosion of L245N steel in the CO2-saturated oilfield produced water by the extract of hairy bamboo leaf extract (BLE) has been investigated using electrochemical experiment (EIS), weight loss test, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), molecular dynamics simulation (MD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed adsorption of BLE on the surface of L245N steel conforms to the Langmuir isothermal adsorption. Electrochemical measurements indicated the maximum inhibition efficiency of 98.76 % at 45 °C and 4 (%v/v). FTIR analysis showed that the BLE contains functional moieties such as O–H, N–H, C=O, C=C, C–N, C–O, and orientin as the effective compound. SEM illustrated that with the addition of BLE, the corrosion of L245N metal is significantly reduced. MD simulation showed that BLE molecules tend to adsorb on the Fe surface, forming an inhibitor film.

Experimental assessment and molecular-level exploration of the mechanism of action of Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) plant extract as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for X38 mild steel in sulfuric acidic medium

The development of green corrosion inhibitors has gained considerable importance in recent years due to their minimal environmental impact and sustainable nature. As industries increasingly seek eco-friendly alternatives to conventional corrosion inhibitors, research focused on identifying effective and renewable corrosion protection solutions becomes imperative. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the inhibition action of Nettle extract (NE) (Urtica dioica L.) as a promising green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in a 0.5 mol/L H2SO4 medium. In this work, the corrosion protection performance of NE was assessed using weight loss, electrochemical, surface characterization, and computational chemistry methods. The results indicated that NE acted as an effective corrosion inhibitor, with inhibition efficiency reaching a maximum of 90% at a concentration of 4 g L-1. Polarization studies revealed that NE functions as a mixed-type inhibitor, while electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results showed an increase in charge transfer resistance and a decrease in double layer capacitance values in the presence of NE. Surface characterization analysis confirmed the formation of a protective NE layer on the steel surface. Furthermore, Density-functional tight-binding (DFTB) simulations identified Quercetin, Kaempferol, and Serotonin as having stronger chemical bonding with the Fe(110) surface, while Histamine molecules exhibited physical interactions with iron atoms. This comprehensive evaluation of NE's inhibition action not only supports its potential as an eco-friendly inhibitor for mild steel corrosion protection but also contributes to the development of sustainable corrosion control strategies.

Cysteine as an Alternative Eco-Friendly Corrosion Inhibitor for Absorption-Based Carbon Capture Plants.

Inorganic corrosion inhibitors are commonly applied to mitigate severe corrosion in absorption-based carbon capture plants. They are, however, not environmentally friendly, posing a health risk, harming the environment, and making chemical handling and disposal costly. Therefore, this study evaluated the corrosion inhibition performance of an amino acid, namely cysteine, with the aim of providing an eco-friendly alternative to the commercial inorganic corrosion inhibitors. Electrochemical and weight loss corrosion measurements showed that cysteine was effective in protecting carbon steel at all process operating conditions. At 80 °C, a 500 ppm cysteine could provide up to 83% and 99% inhibition efficiency under static and dynamic flow conditions, respectively. Its inhibition efficiency could be improved when the cysteine concentration, solution temperature, and flow condition were altered. Cysteine was an anodic corrosion inhibitor and underwent spontaneous, endothermic, and combined physical and chemical adsorption that followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The quantum chemical analysis indicated that cysteine had a high reactivity with metal surfaces due to its low energy gap and high dipole moment. The EDX analysis revealed a significant sulphur content on the metal substrate, indicating that cysteine's mercapto group played an integral role in forming an effective adsorption layer on the metal interface.

Experimental and molecular simulation studies of N, S-doped Carbon dots as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for protecting Cu in HCl environment

A serious of N, S-doped carbon dots (N, S-CDs) as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor with different S/N ratios were synthesized by finely tuning the ratio of L-cysteine and ammonium citrate through a hydrothermal method. The chemical composition and morphology of these N, S-CDs were characterized by FTIR, UV-Vis, TEM and XPS techniques. The N, S-CDs showed good dispersion in aqueous solution with average particle size of about 3–6 nm. An abundant of unsaturated bonds and polar groups were found on the surface of the N, S-CDs. The inhibition performance of the N, S-CDs for copper metal in 1.0 M HCl environment was studied by electrochemical, combining FTIR, XPS and Raman to investigate the corrosion products. The inhibition efficiency of N, S-CDs displayed a first increased and then decreased trend with the increasing of S/N ratio. When the mass ratio of L-cysteine and ammonium citrate was 1:2 (L1 sample), the icorr value exhibited a minimum of 11 μA/cm2 at 160 mg/L after immersing for 24 h and the inhibition efficiency reached up to 94 %. N-Cu and S-Cu bond from XPS implied anchoring interactions between copper and N, S-CDs with multiple heteroatoms as active sites. From DFT calculation, the obtained low energy gap (ΔE) represented a strong physicochemical of N, S-CDs on Cu substrate. With its merits of high corrosion inhibition efficiency and low cost, N, S-CDs inhibitor is a very promising alternative to traditional inhibitors and could significantly extend the service life of copper in corrosive environments.