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Environmentally responsive semi-interpenetrating network microcapsules with enhanced stability for corrosion
Hongda Zhou1,2,3, Zexi Shao1,2, Danila V Ermolin4
1School of Chemical Engineering and Technology and State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Low-Carbon Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China. hongdazhou_94@tju.edu.cn.
Materials Horizons
|July 31, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed pH-responsive microcapsules for CO2 capture applications. These microcapsules offer controlled release of corrosion inhibitors, enhancing material durability in acidic environments.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Corrosion and environmental challenges persist in CO2 capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
- Existing microcapsule technologies require improved structural integrity and responsiveness in acidic CCUS environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize robust pH-responsive microcapsules (RRMCs) for CCUS applications.
- To evaluate the encapsulation, stability, and controlled release properties of RRMCs.
- To demonstrate the application of RRMCs in delivering corrosion inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- Dynamic complexation-diffusion assembly using polyelectrolytes of varying molecular weights.
- Encapsulation efficiency, stability, and release kinetics assessments.
- Demonstration of benzotriazole (BTA) release for corrosion inhibition.
- Theoretical calculations to understand release mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Achieved high encapsulation efficiency (~86%) and enhanced stability.
- Demonstrated sustained controlled release of small molecules (e.g., BTA) for up to 14 days.
- Confirmed pH-dependent release behavior of BTA for effective corrosion protection.
- Elucidated the relationship between controlled release and adsorption mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Developed robust pH-responsive microcapsules (RRMCs) via a novel assembly approach.
- RRMCs exhibit excellent stability, high encapsulation, and sustained controlled release.
- Demonstrated potential for CCUS corrosion control and material durability enhancement.
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