1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium methane sulfonate ionic liquid corrosion inhibitor for mild steel alloy: Experimental, optimization and theoretical studies

The current research reports the performance of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methane sulfonate ([C4MIM][OMs](IL)) as effective corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte. For proper evaluation, weight loss, electrochemical study, theoretical modeling and optimization techniques were used. Weight loss and electrochemical methods shows that the inhibition performance of [C4MIM][OMs] on the metal surface strengthens as the concentration increases. Maximum inhibition efficiency of 85.71%, 92.5% and 91.1% at 0.8 g L-1 concentration of [C4MIM][OMs] were obtained from the weight loss, polarization and impedance studies, respectively. In addition, response surface methodology (RSM) a statistical tool was used for modeling and optimization of the empirical data. The RSM model validates the empirical findings. Also, DFT/MD-simulation investigations evidenced that [C4MIM][OMs] forms a barrier film on the mild steel surface. The result shows that the synthesized [C4MIM][OMs] could open up opportunities in corrosion and materials protection for sustainability.