The hybrid protection method for copper alloy against electrochemical attack using benzotriazole and Sb₂O₃ nanoparticles synergy

This study investigates a dual-protection strategy that combines antimony oxide (Sb₂O₃) nanoparticles with varying contents (10, 20, and 30 ppm) and benzotriazole (BTA) concentrations ranging from 0 to 40 ppm to enhance corrosion resistance in copper alloys. Highlights the development of eco-friendly potentials for reducing industrial costs effectively, against electrochemical deterioration. The combination enhances barrier properties and passivates the copper surface in a 5% NaCl corrosive medium. Open circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization, surface studies using SEM-EDX and XPS, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) all verified the synergistic effect of Sb₂O₃ and BTA, showing markedly lower corrosion current densities and improved protective barrier development. The findings demonstrate that the hybrid application of organic molecules and inorganic nanoparticles enhances the chemical stability of the copper surface, in addition to its physical barrier properties. At lower content, combining BTA and Sb₂O₃ nanoparticles enhances the corrosion resistance of copper-based materials by ~ 99.96%.