Evaluation of 14-(p-tolyl)-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthene as a highly efficient organic corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl: Electrochemical, theoretical, and surface characterization

Corrosion of mild steel, particularly in acidic environments such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), remains a critical issue due to its impact on material durability, economic costs, and safety concerns. This study introduces 14-(p-tolyl)-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthene (ZM5), a novel and highly effective organic corrosion inhibitor, to mitigate this challenge. Employing advanced electrochemical techniques: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), we evaluated ZM5’s performance in a 1 M HCl solution, revealing an impressive inhibition efficiency of 94.7 %. Surface characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) further confirmed the formation of a robust protective film on the steel surface, shedding light on ZM5’s adsorption mechanisms. Complementing the experimental findings, Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations provided theoretical insights into the anti-corrosion mechanism of ZM5, aligning well with observed results. These findings underscore ZM5's potential as a highly promising corrosion inhibitor for industrial applications, effectively enhancing the corrosion resistance of mild steel in aggressive environments.