Green synthesis of PEI-functionalized matcha-derived carbon quantum dots for highly efficient corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in acidic media
Surfaces and Interfaces, cilt.99, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 99
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.surfin.2026.110859
- Dergi Adı: Surfaces and Interfaces
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, INSPEC
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Acid corrosion inhibition, Carbon quantum dots, Carbon steel, Interfacial adsorption
- Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Biomass-derived carbon quantum dots have attracted increasing interest as sustainable corrosion inhibitors; however, achieving high inhibition efficiency at low dosages remains challenging. Herein, polyethyleneimine-functionalized matcha-derived carbon dots (PEI-MCDs) were synthesized through a simple hydrothermal route using matcha powder as a renewable precursor and polyethyleneimine as an amine-rich functionalizing agent. Their corrosion-inhibition performance for Q235 carbon steel in 1 M HCl was systematically evaluated. At a concentration of only 10 mg/L, PEI-MCDs achieved inhibition efficiencies of 95.4%, 93.6%, and 97.2% based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, and gravimetric measurements, respectively. In comparison, unmodified matcha-derived carbon dots required 80 mg/L to achieve approximately 90% inhibition. Surface and interfacial analyses revealed that nitrogen- and oxygen-containing functional groups promoted the adsorption of PEI-MCD-derived species on the steel surface through combined physical and chemical interactions, resulting in the formation of a compact protective layer. This interfacial layer effectively suppressed both anodic Fe dissolution and cathodic hydrogen evolution. Overall, PEI-assisted surface functionalization enables biomass-derived carbon dots to provide efficient corrosion protection at substantially reduced inhibitor dosages, highlighting their potential as sustainable low-dose inhibitors for carbon steel in acidic pickling environments.