Fabrication and DFT assisted investigation of novel Ru (III) imine complex for nickel corrosion inhibition and energy storage applications

Nickel metal is widely used in various applications, including surgical instruments, but its susceptibility to corrosion in acidic environments limits its applications and necessitates effective corrosion inhibition strategies. Herein, a novel Ru(III) tetra-dentate anil complex was synthesized and characterized, demonstrating exceptional performance as a corrosion inhibitor for nickel in 0.5 M sulfuric acid. The corrosion inhibition performance was evaluated using Tafel plots and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, while the electronic properties and adsorption behavior were investigated using DFT calculations and Monte Carlo simulations. The complex also exhibits promising charge–discharge characteristics, suggesting its potential in energy storage applications. The RuL complex significantly reduced the corrosion current density, achieving a maximum inhibition efficiency of 99.4% at an optimal dosage of 1 × 10 –3 M. This enhanced corrosion protection is attributed to the strong adsorption of the complex on the nickel surface, as confirmed by Monte Carlo simulations and electrochemical studies. Furthermore, the complex showed promising charge–discharge behavior, indicating its potential application in energy storage devices. These findings suggest that the novel Ru(III) complex offers a promising dual-functional material for nickel corrosion inhibition and energy storage.