Structure and properties of Ti(IV)-doped zinc hydroxychloride rusts formed at various temperatures

► At 6-120 °C, Ti(IV) strongly inhibits the crystallization and particle growth of zinc hydroxychloride rusts. ► Higher aging temperature promotes the formation of nano-sized TiO2 particles and suppresses the adsorption of corrosive gasses such as H2O and CO2. ► Alloying the Ti in galvanized steel may form compact zinc rust layer under various atmospheric temperatures in marine environment, leading to improve the corrosion resistance.