ZnO nanoparticles functionalized with amoxicillin: Synthesis, characterization and assessment of corrosion inhibition performance of aluminum in alkaline medium

Abstract

This study focuses on the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and its functionalization with amoxicillin, aiming to evaluate its efficacy in inhibiting corrosion of aluminum in an alkaline environment. Characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles was performed using various techniques, including dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The corrosion behavior of aluminum in a 1 M NaOH solution was evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization methods. The z-average of the synthesized material was 72.92 nm, indicating the nanoparticle nature of the substances. The XRD pattern exhibited pronounced peaks, which confirmed the crystalline structure of the material, with an average crystallite size of 47.23 nm. TEM analysis illustrated the presence of spherical particles. The FTIR spectrum displayed peaks indicative of Zn-O stretching and functionalities associated with amoxicillin. The inhibitor exhibited mixed-type inhibition characteristics, evidenced by a change in corrosion potential that is less than 85 mV. An inhibition efficiency of 64.2% was obtained with the application of an inhibitor concentration of 0.4 g/L. The functionalized ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated considerable potential as corrosion inhibitor for aluminum in alkaline medium. • The synthesis of functionalized ZnO nanoparticles was confirmed through DLS, TEM, XRD, UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy. • Potentiodynamic polarization revealed decrease in corrosion current density in the presence of the inhibitor. • Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed surge in charge transfer resistance in the presence of the inhibitor. • Inhibition efficiency increased with surge in inhibitor dosage. • Zinc oxide nanoparticles operated as a mixed-type inhibitor.