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.