Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets toward high-performance corrosion inhibitor for epoxy coating

MXenes as novel two-dimensional (2D) materials, hold great promising for applications in many fields due to the layered-structure and performance characteristics. Here, few-layer Ti3C2 nanosheets were successfully prepared by etching aluminum atoms layer of Ti3AlC2 precursor along with layering technique. As-prepared Ti3C2 nanosheets as a physical barrier in epoxy coating were evaluated on the anticorrosion performance via potentiodynamic polarization curve, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis, water absorption test in 3.5 wt. % NaCl aqueous solution and accelerated corrosion testing. The results demonstrate that the epoxy coatings with Ti3C2 nanosheets are endowed with excellent corrosion resistance due to the intrinsic properties of 2D Ti3C2 nanosheets and the formation of a barrier against corrosive medium. The findings will open a new perspective for 2D MXene materials' application as efficient anticorrosion additive.