Metal
substrates beneath polymeric coatings are susceptible to
localized corrosion, which could result in lifetime reduction and
catastrophic failure without timely repair treatment. In situ detection
of corrosion and repair coating defects are in high demand yet challenging
to fulfill so far. Herein, we report a smart polymeric coating by
integrating nanosensors into the coating matrix, which is capable
of efficient corrosion sensing and active anticorrosion protecting.
The nanosensors were constructed by zeolitic imidazolate framework
encapsulated with the polyethylene glycol-tannic acid complex. The
morphology, chemical constitution, and stimulus responsiveness of
nanosensors were systematically analyzed. The generation of local
corrosion beneath coating can be promptly sensed and reported by a
conspicuous purple color derived from tannic-iron ion coordinates.
Meanwhile, local electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results proved
that the metal degradation process at the defected interface can be
largely inhibited, exhibiting active anticorrosion property. Furthermore,
the constructed smart coating possessed superior impermeability and
long-term protective performance under simulated seawater and harsh
salts spray conditions. This feasible and effective strategy based
on simple nanosensors to engineer smart coatings paves a new way to
develop high environmental adaptability protective materials with
protecting, corrosion sensing, and self-healing functions.