In an era where environmental sustainability is paramount, a groundbreaking study emerges, offering a new, eco-friendly solution to a longstanding industrial challenge: corrosion inhibition of carbon steel, particularly in harsh hydrochloric acid (HCl) environments. This innovative research, led by a team of scientists from Qatar University, marks a significant stride in sustainable industrial practices.
The study, spearheaded by Professor Mazen Khaled, Professor Abdulilah Bani-Yaseen, Professor Mohanad Shkoor, Engineer Rem Jalab, Dr. Tahseen Shawkat, Dr. Hesham Korashy, Dr. Mohamed Saad, and Dr. Haw-Lih Su, delves into the development of a new green non-toxic corrosion inhibitor. This bis-phenylurea-based aliphatic amine (BPUA) derivative demonstrates remarkable efficiency and environmental safety, addressing the critical need for sustainable corrosion protection strategies. The findings are published in the journal Heliyon, showcasing a path towards eco-friendly industrial applications.
A notable aspect of this research is the non-toxic nature of the BPUA derivative, a critical advancement in the field of corrosion inhibitors. Professor Mazen Khaled, leading the research, emphasizes the environmental safety of this novel inhibitor. “Our inhibitor not only demonstrates a unique affinity to carbon steel but also stands out for its non-toxic properties, forming a protective layer that significantly mitigates corrosion,” he explains. This achievement is particularly significant, considering the environmental concerns associated with conventional corrosion inhibitors. The team’s comprehensive methodology, encompassing weight loss measurements, electrochemical studies, and surface analysis techniques, was further enhanced by quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamic simulations. These methods collectively provided a detailed understanding of the inhibitor’s efficacy, with a specific focus on its environmentally friendly characteristics, marking a substantial step towards more sustainable industrial practices.
The inhibitor’s performance was particularly notable at specific concentrations, where it exhibited a profound reduction in corrosion rates. This optimal concentration and the inhibitor’s adsorption behavior highlight its potential for widespread industrial use, especially in contexts where carbon steel is exposed to acidic environments.
Theoretical investigations were instrumental in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibitor’s function. “Our molecular simulations reveal how the inhibitor molecules adhere to the steel surface, offering a deeper insight into the inhibition process,” comments Professor Khaled. This multidimensional approach, bridging experimental findings with theoretical insights, sets a precedent in the field of corrosion science.
The implications of this study extend beyond the realms of corrosion protection. By championing a green inhibitor, the research paves the way for more environmentally conscious industrial processes, aligning with global efforts towards sustainability. The potential applications of BPUA in various industrial sectors underscore its significance in a world increasingly focused on ecological conservation.
In conclusion, this pioneering study not only addresses the pressing issue of metal corrosion but also aligns with the broader objective of sustainable development. The innovative approach and successful outcomes of this research serve as a model for future endeavors in green chemistry and industrial sustainability.
Journal Reference
Shkoor, M., Jalab, R., Khaled, M., Shawkat, T. S., Korashy, H. M., Saad, M., Su, H. L., & Bani-Yaseen, A. D. (2023). Experimental and theoretical investigations of the effect of bis-phenylurea-based aliphatic amine derivative as an efficient green corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in HCl solution. Heliyon, 9(10), e20254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20254
