Nagaland University researchers collaborating with the University of Science and Technology

Beijing scientists discovered that carbon quantum dots recognized as carbon dots obtained from apple leaves that have been discarded can give a complete protection of metal to a very eco-friendly, low segregated, and long lasting method. Corrosion is a major industrial challenge that is persistent around the world broadly. This research points out that it is possible to replace harmful, cheap toxic corrosion inhibitors that are used in the sectors of infrastructures and manufacturing by the new method.

The main authors of the cooperative publication, Ambrish Singh, Professor, Nagaland University, and Yujie Qiang, Professor, University of Science and Technology Beijing, demonstrated that the newly fabricated apple, leaf carbon quantum dots (ACDs) are capable of inhibiting copper corrosion in acids with inhibition efficiency of 94.0 per cent at low concentrations, which can go up to 96.2 per cent after extended use. These results are just at the level of Figuring out highly industrial applications of metals that are usually exposed to chemical environments being harsh.

The outcome was confirmed in a peer- reviewed journal, the Journal of Alloys and Compounds, that is committed to articles on synthesis, structure, properties and applications of metallic alloys and advanced compounds. The work also sheds light on waste, to, wealth benefits besides industrial ones. By converting agricultural residue into high-value functional nanomaterials, the research supports circular economy models and opens potential income opportunities for farming communities.

Highlighting the technical aspects, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Professor, Yujie Qiang, said the team used a green hydrothermal process to convert apple leaves into nanoscale carbon particles doped with sulphur and nitrogen. Such components generate many active sites that will be able to anchor metal surfaces very tightly. Electrochemical tests showed that the ACDs deposit a neat and firm protective layer on copper, thus completely preventing the passage of corrosive ions. Moreover, theoretical modelling revealed that the nitrogen, containing groups are mainly responsible for holding the protective layer tightly.

Although the findings are at present supported only by laboratory, scale experiments, the scientists are considering pilot, scale experiments and subsequent field testing, e.g., the combination with the existing protective coatings, as the next steps.