Imidazolium-based ionic liquids as corrosion inhibitors for stainless steel in different corrosive media: An overview

Abstract

Corrosion, a destructive electrochemical dissolution of metals, poses a significant problem impacting numerous industry sectors. It leads to economic losses, technical performance deterioration, and environmental damage. Employing corrosion inhibitors stands out as one of the most common strategies to shield metallic materials from corrosion. In recent times, imidazolium-based ionic liquids (IBILs) have garnered increasing attention as promising corrosion inhibitors due to their unique properties, including high thermal stability, ionic conductivity, and low volatility. This article provides an overview of recent studies on the utilization of IBILs as corrosion inhibitors for stainless steels in various corrosive environments. Initially, brief information on stainless steel corrosion resistance is presented, followed by a discussion of possible electrochemical attachment mechanisms. Furthermore, the mechanisms involved in corrosion protection are explored, along with factors influencing the efficiency of IBILs as corrosion inhibitors. This review emphasizes the potential of IBILs as corrosion inhibitors for stainless steels in diverse industrial applications.

Keywords

• Stainless steel corrosion
• Corrosion inhibitors
• Ionic liquids
• Imidazole