Solution-Processed Two-Dimensional Metal Oxide Anticorrosion Nanocoating

Molecularly thin two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are attractive building blocks for constructing anticorrosion nanocoatings as an ultimate pursuit in the metal-related industry. However, the nanocoating of prefocused graphene is far from industrial demands due to its high cost, low scalability, and insufficient quality. We propose all requirements to realize rational anticorrosion nanocoating of metal oxide nanosheets. The proof-of-concept study with Ti_0.87O₂ and Ca₂Nb₃O₁₀ nanosheets demonstrates that the 10 and 20 nm thick coatings fabricated by a facile layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly on stainless steel (SUS) give perfect inhibition efficiency (IE) values of 99.92% and 99.89%, respectively. A driving test with a nanosheet-coated car-baffle demonstrated suitable corrosion resistance and mechanical and thermal robustness for industrial applications. The revealed and controlled thermal oxidation mechanisms are critical toward high-temperature application of the 2D oxide anticorrosion nanocoating. The advantages of nanosheet coating and extensible materials design will open a solid but exciting route to anticorrosion nanotechnology.