Folic acid-based carbon dots as an environmentally friendly and functional inhibitor for metal protection

A green and functional inhibitor (Cu-N-CDs) was prepared by combining folic acid with copper gluconate. A series of professional testing equipment was used for structure and performance characterization. By analysis, the obtained Cu-N-CDs inhibitor displayed a super inhibition ability (over 98%) for Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). The corrosion inhibition ability of Cu-N-CDs increased with an increase in Cu doping, reaching its maximum value at Cu 3.0 -N-CDs, and then decreased. In this case, the corrosion inhibition efficiency of IE reached up to 92.87% at 200 mg/L. The adsorption of Cu-N-CDs on the interface was chemisorption and physisorption, following the Langmuir adsorption model. The corrosion product and simulation calculation confirmed the formation of a protective layer of inhibitor molecules on the metal surface.