Enhanced Corrosion Protection of Copper Using Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Coatings Synthesized by Chemical Vapor Deposition

In this study, nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) films were synthesized on copper foil sur-faces by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and their anti-corrosion properties were comprehensively investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) results showed that the graphene layer was uniformly formed and nitrogen atoms were successfully incorporated. Raman spectroscopy revealed that the sample obtained on a 30 μm thick copper foil had a high structural quality (low ID/IG value). Electrochemical measurements showed that the NG coatings significantly reduced the corrosion current density and rate compared to pure copper. In short-term tests, the highest inhibition efficiency (91.5%) was observed for the sample synthesized on a 200 μm thick copper foil. In long-term (up to 2 months) seawater immersion tests, the inhibition efficiency decreased slightly over time, but the NG coatings showed much higher anti-corrosion properties than pure copper at all times. Overall results proved that nitrogen-doped graphene is a potential material in protecting metals from long-term corrosion, not only in seawater but also in harsh environments.