Employing zinc oxide nanoparticle coating as a corrosion inhibitor for magnesium alloys in distinct aqueous electrolyte

In this investigation, zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesised using a straightforward microwave-assisted technique. Results showed that the synthesised nanoparticles were hexagonal wurtzite ZnO-nanoparticles with a crystallite size of 6.76 nm, as determined by physio-chemical methods. It reveals, at varying magnifications, the irregularly aggregated, spherically shaped sponge-like structure. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, corresponding functional groups on ZnO surfaces have been observed. According to absorption measurements, the direct optical bandgap is around 3.29 eV. The photoluminescence spectra may be used to detect crystal defects in the ZnO lattice by looking for red emission and blue band edge emission. An investigation into the anticorrosion capabilities of zinc oxide nanoparticles was conducted, which revealed that the particles have beneficial characteristics when coated with magnesium (Mg) substrates. These materials are evaluated for corrosive resistance with and without a protective coating. Results show that coating significantly increased the protection rate under different electrolyte conditions. Compared to bare Mg plate, the charge transfer resistance Rct was increased when ZnO nanoparticles were coated. KEY WORDS: Zinc oxide nanoparticle, Microwave irradiation, Corrosion resistance, magnesium alloy Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(2), 417-430.                                                               DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i2.10