Corrosion protection of aluminum in LiPF6 by poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanosphere-coated multiwalled carbon nanotube

We propose the synthesis and characterization of poly(ethylenedioxythiophene) nanospheres (PEDOT-NSP) coated onto a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) (PEDOT-NSP/MWNT) and the application of the resultant materials as a corrosion inhibitor for aluminum in LiPF6. Doping PEDOT-NSP with negatively charged MWNT minimized the anion exchange property of PEDOT, impeding the penetration of pit-causing PF6- anions. The COOH groups of MWNT, which remained intact in PEDOT-NSP/MWNT, also blocked the access of anions to the aluminum by electrostatic repulsion. This synergistic effect allowed PEDOT-NSP/MWNT to protect the aluminum more effectively compared with PEDOT and PEDOT-wrapped MWNT with a coaxial structure (PEDOT-COX/MWNT).

► PEDOT nanospheres (PEDOT-NSP) coated MWNT (PEDOT-NSP/MWNT) for anticorrosion of Al.
► Comparison with PEDOT-wrapped MWNT (PEDOT-COX/MWNT) and PEDOT.
► Superior corrosion inhibition of PEDOT-NSP/MWNT to PEDOT-COX/MWNT and PEDOT.
► Prevention of PF6- access to aluminum by synergistic effect of PEDOT-NSP/MWNT.
► Cooperative role of PEDOT-NSP and COOH groups of MWNT in PEDOT-NSP/MWNT.