Fabrication of and corrosion prevention mechanisms of tin oxide (SnO2) decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for anodic protection of Zn metal surfaces

The hydrothermal approach was utilized to prepare SnO2 and rGO-SnO2 composite, and its physicochemical properties and corrosion resistance application are examined in this study. The results suggest that the SnO2, rGO-SnO2 composite exhibits a well-defined and uniform morphology, with SnO2 NPs homogeneously distributed and anchored on the rGO. XRD analysis confirms the crystalline tetragonal structure with 19.1 nm and 20.8 crystalline size. Further, the corrosion resistance application of the rGO-SnO2 composite is evaluated through electrochemical measurements, such as potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The composite-coated substrate is subjected to NaCl electrolyte using a Zn plate. The corrosion performance is compared with that of bare Sn and rGO-SnO2 counterparts to assess the synergistic effect of the composite which exhibits enhanced anticorrosion properties. The synergistic effect of Sn and rGO in the composite offers superior corrosion resistance, making it a promising material for various corrosion-prone applications. Overall, the findings contribute to developing novel and effective strategies for combating corrosion, ensuring the durability and reliability of materials in diverse industrial environments. KEY WORDS: Sn-rGO composite, Tafel plot, Corrosion protection, Surface analysis, Synergistic effect Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(2), 445-456. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i2.12