Chitosan/tannic acid phenamine networks-hollow mesoporous silica capsules with reversible pH response: Controlled-releasing amino acid derivatives as “green” corrosion inhibitor

A novel amino acid derivative (SM) was synthesized through Schiff base reaction between syringaldehyde (SA) and methionine (MTI), and loaded to obtain a reversible pH-responsive releasing corrosion inhibitor silica capsule (CS/TA@SM@HMSs) with chitosan/tannic acid phenamine networks on the surface. The corrosion inhibition effect of SM and CS/TA@SM@HMSs on Q235 was studied using electrochemical techniques and surface analysis. The results showed the maximum inhibition efficiency of SM reached to 93.2 % at 200ppm by immersing Q235 in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The theoretically calculated electron parameter (the energy gap ΔE = 4.492 eV) indicated that SM molecules were more susceptible to electron transfer with iron surfaces therefore allowing better adsorption on carbon steel surfaces to prevent corrosion. Meanwhile, UV-visible measurements showed that the chitosan/tannic acid phenamine network on the capsule surface responded to changes in pH. The reversible pH-responsive corrosion inhibitor capsule can be switched on and off several times to release SM, demonstrating reversible release and efficient corrosion protection. This study proposes a novel class of "green" amino acid derivative corrosion inhibitors, and establishes a controllable, efficient and reversible pH-responsive release system. A new approach is provided to stimulating the release of corrosion inhibitors in response to long-term corrosion protection of metals.