Synthesis of graphene oxide nanosheets functionalized by green corrosion inhibitive compounds to fabricate a protective system

The adsorptive behavior of Urtica Dioica (U.D) leaf extract on the graphene oxide nanosheets (GONs) was examined by experimental and density functional theory (DFT) approaches. Experimental results demonstrated the strengthened adsorption of the Urtica Dioica leaf extract on the GO sheets at acidic pH of 2, leading to the corrosion inhibition of mild steel in chloride solution. It was observed that the inhibition effects of GO-U.D sheets enhanced in the presence of Zn2+ cations in solution and coating phases. The DFT results revealed the physisorption and chemisorption of inhibitors onto GO surfaces.