Biomass-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles composite and application as green corrosion inhibitor in oilfield acidic cleaning fluid

Aqueous extract of red onion peels mediates the synthesis of silver nanoparticles composite (AqAgNPs). The AqAgNPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction, microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and evaluated as anticorrosion additive for pipeline (X80) steel. Spherical, stable, crystalline, monodisperse and non-agglomerated particles of 50 nm average size were obtained. In laboratory simulated acidic cleaning solution (1 M HCl), AqAgNPs exhibits impressive anticorrosion effect on X80 steel surface even at small concentrations (25% v/v) at 30–60 °C as determined by weight loss and electrochemical techniques. AqAgNPs is thermally and biochemically stable and still affords 86% efficiency at 60 °C even after 120 days of storage. FTIR and EDS studies reveal that AqAgNPs species interact with steel surface by adsorption using mainly by O and N sites. Microscopic (SEM and AFM) examination of the steel surface reveals sufficient protection and reduction in pitting by 70.5%. Instead of being discarded as waste, onion peels could be processed into oilfield chemicals as demonstrated in this study.