The effect of ionic liquids with imidazolium and pyridinium cations on the corrosion inhibition of mild steel in acidic environment

Ionic liquids with chemical formula 1,3-dioctadecylimidazolium bromide and N-Octadecylpyridinium bromide were synthesized by conventional and microwave-assisted reactions, respectively. Ionic liquids tested as corrosion inhibitors after polarization curves displayed corrosion protection efficiency within 82–88% at 100 ppm for mild steel in a 1 M aqueous solution of sulfuric acid. Standard free energy indicated that corrosion inhibition occurred by a chemical adsorption process. Surface analysis (SEM, EDX) completed by XRD and Mössbauer spectroscopy indicated the presence of carbon species pertaining to inhibitor and corrosion products, which was rationalized in an inhibition mechanism.