Tailoring 2D PDA-Ti3C2 nanosheets doped ZnAl-layered double hydroxides (LDH) as smart anti-corrosion nanoreservoir for boosting the active/barrier function of epoxy coatings

This major attempt of this study constructs polydopamine functionalized Ti₃C₂ MXene doped ZnAl-layered double hydroxides nanocarriers integrated MoO₄²⁻ corrosion inhibitor (MXene-PDA@ZnAl MoO₄²⁻ LDH) using in-situ polymerization technique and excavates their active/passive anti-corrosion performances in solution and coating phases. The governable release of MoO₄²⁻, PDA, and Zn²⁺ from MXene-PDA@ZnAl MoO₄²⁻ LDH nanocontainers at the solution phase could upgrade the impedance values by 5 orders magnitude and the corrosion inhibition efficiency could reach 99.99 % toward bare metal in polarization curves. Besides, assessment of artificially scratched coatings demonstrated brilliant self-healing ability by 454 % increment in R_tot compared to pure EP after 24 h immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl. Moreover, the intact MXene-PDA@ZnAl MoO₄²⁻ LDH coating after 10 days immersion with noticeable enhancement of 1 order magnitude exemplified promoted barrier effect compared to pure EP. The synergistic effect of barrier effect, chloride ion trapping and corrosion inhibition effect of the MXene-PDA@ZnAl MoO₄²⁻ LDH commit to the enhancement of the anti-corrosion response. Thence, the MXene-PDA@ZnAl MoO₄²⁻ LDH/EP could be applicable of an efficaciously anti-corrosion coating in the durability and dependability of coated steel surface.