Understanding the interaction properties of an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor on Zn (1 1 0) surface: Comprehensive DFT-based MD simulation

Abstract

Regarding the deleterious effects of corrosion for a wide range of metals and alloys, many different techniques have been developed to protect the metals against corrosion. Utilizing organic inhibitors, especially those that contain heteroatoms and multiple bonds has been found an effective approach. In this research, the adsorption of a novel green inhibitor, Laurhydrazide N′-propan-3-one (LHP), on the Zn (110) surface was investigated using dispersion corrected DFT calculations. Interaction energy and electronic structures were calculated for different orientations of the inhibitor toward the Zn surface. The validity of calculated interaction energy has been verified by the MP2 level of theory. The AIM theory analysis revealed that LHP bound strongly to the Zn surface through its O active site and also its orientation affects greatly the interaction energy. Furthermore, diffusion of LHP through its O atoms active sites was observed with the state-of-the-art DFT-MD simulation during the simulation procedure that agrees well with the experiments for similar molecules adsorbed on the metal surfaces. The presented findings afford a vital insight into the interactive nature of adsorbed inhibitors on metallic surfaces and will help to develop advanced functional materials in coating technologies.