Electrochemical investigation of ceria nanoparticles as a corrosion inhibitor for steel in alkaline medium

Abstract

This work investigates the synthesis and the corrosion inhibitor efficiency ceria nanoparticles may exert on steel reinforcement in an alkaline solution of saturated Ca(OH)2 + 0.5 M CaCl2 up to 50°C. The corrosion mechanisms are thoroughly investigated by electrochemical and various characterization techniques. The electrochemical results show that ceria nanoparticles act as an anodic inhibitor and provide maximum inhibition efficiency (80%) at a concentration of 800 ppm. The resulting surface is smooth and free from corrosion products due to the formation of a physically adsorbed film according to the thermodynamic calculations.