Exploring the bio-inspired corrosion inhibition properties of eco-friendly Limonia acidissima leaves extract for mild steel in acidic media: Computational, electrochemical and spectroscopic insights

• Published in: Journal of molecular structure Vol. 1323; p. 140713
• Main Authors: Mushira Banu, A., Thakur, Abhinay, Arifa Farzana, B., Mashood Ahamed, F.M., Kumar, Ashish
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 25-02-2025
• Subjects: Corrosion; DFT; Hydrochloric acid; Inhibition; Limonia acidissima; Mild steel; Hydrochloric acid; Mild steel; DFT; Inhibition; Corrosion; Limonia acidissima
• ISSN: 0022-2860
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2024.140713

•Limonia acidissima leaves extract (LALE) achieved 92.26% corrosion inhibition in 1.0 m HCl.•Corrosion current density decreased significantly from 3.102 × 10–3 A/cm² to 3.165 × 10–4 A/cm².•Charge transfer resistance increased from 2.1410 Ω to 8.6580 Ω with 1.0% LALE.•Double-layer capacitance reduced from 7.757 × 10–7 μF/cm² to 1.926 × 10–7 μF/cm², forming a protective film.•SEM and AFM analyses showed smoother, less pitted surfaces with LALE treatment.
This study investigates the corrosion inhibition properties of Limonia acidissima leaves extract (LALE) on mild steel in a 1.0 M HCl medium. Utilizing mass loss measurements, potentiodynamic polarization, AC impedance spectroscopy, and surface characterization methods like SEM, AFM, UV–Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy, the study reveals significant findings. The maximum inhibition efficiency of LALE was attained to be 92.26 % at a 1.0 % concentration. Potentiodynamic polarization studies show a marked decrease in corrosion current density (Icorr) from 3.102 × 10–3 A/cm² for the blank solution to 3.165 × 10–4 A/cm² with 1.0% LALE, indicating mixed-type inhibition. AC impedance measurements show an increase in charge transfer resistance (Rct) from 2.1410 Ω in the blank solution to 8.6580 Ω with 1.0% LALE, and a decrease in double-layer capacitance (Cdl) from 7.757 × 10–7 μF/cm² to 1.926 × 10–7 μF/cm², suggesting the formation of a protective film. SEM and AFM analyses confirm that LALE-treated steel surfaces are smoother with fewer pits and cavities compared to untreated steel. Furthermore, DFT analysis complemented well with the empirical findings. This research highlights the potential of plant extracts in industrial applications for corrosion protection, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable corrosion inhibitors and offering practical insights for future research and application in various corrosive environments.
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