Hybrid nanocomposite from aniline and CeO2 nanoparticles: Surface protective performance on mild steel in acidic environment

- Nanocomposites of PANI with nanoCeO2 release entrapped nanoparticle in HCl medium.
- SEM and TEM images reveal that PCN has globular particle with core-shell structure.
- The inhibition efficiency of PCN increases almost linearly with concentration.
- An increase in contact-angle with PCN indicated its adsorption at the MS surface.
- PCN is a potential inhibitor for mild steel in acidic environment in industries.