Microwave-synthesized cinnamyl-imidazolium ionic liquid for efficient aluminium corrosion protection in acidic media: experimental and theoretical insights
摘要
A cinnamyl-functionalized imidazolium ionic liquid, 1-cinnamyl-3-propylimidazolium bromide (CPrImBr), was synthesized via an energy-efficient microwave-assisted route and evaluated as a corrosion inhibitor for aluminium in 1.0 M HCl. Gravimetric and electrochemical investigations reveal that CPrImBr exhibits outstanding inhibition performance, achieving a maximum efficiency of 91.69 ± 0.4% at 1000 ppm and 298 K. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization analysis demonstrate that CPrImBr acts as a mixed-type inhibitor, significantly lowering corrosion current densitywhile increasing charge-transfer resistance through the formation of a compact interfacial film. The adsorption of the inhibitor obeys the Langmuir isotherm, with calculated Gibbs free energy values (− 31.92 ± 0.02 to − 34.11 ± 0.2 kJ mol⁻1) indicating a combined physisorption–chemisorption mechanism. Surface analyses using SEM–EDX, XPS,and AFM confirm the development of a chemically stable, nitrogen-rich protective layer that mitigates chloride-induced surface degradation.The experimental data were confirmed by quantum chemical calculations using the DFT approach.
Graphical abstract