The role of graphene in anti-corrosion coatings: A review

This review discusses the recent progress in graphene-based anti-corrosion coatings with emphasis on the shared and distinct protection mechanisms in different coating systems. • The anti-corrosion mechanisms of graphene-related coatings are overviewed. • The shared and distinct role of graphene in various coating systems are summarized. • Future research directions for graphene-based anti-corrosion coatings are proposed. Graphene has attracted considerable attention as anti-corrosion material due to its peculiar two-dimensional nanostructure and superior physicochemical properties. Graphene nanosheets can be independently or concertedly applied as the barriers against metal corrosion in the form of thin films, layered structures, or composites. Numerous attempts have been made to establish the correlation between the nanoscale structure and macroscale performance of graphene. In that regard, experimental and computational methods, such as quantum chemistry and molecular simulation, allow one to gain insight into the anti-corrosion mechanisms of graphene-related coatings. This review summarizes up-to-date knowledge about pure graphene and graphene-based composite coatings, including cathodic protection and self-healing coatings. Particular attention is paid to the structure–property relationship and anti-corrosion mechanisms in these systems. Finally, the shared and distinct role of graphene in various coatings and their prospects for future research are discussed as well.