Abstract

This study investigates the corrosion inhibition efficiency of 2-(2-benzylidenehydrazinyl)-3-nitroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine (BNH-NIP) for aluminum in 1 M hydrochloric acid. Gravimetric measurements indicate that the inhibition efficiency increases with inhibitor concentration but decreases with increasing temperature. Adsorption isotherm analysis shows that experimental data are well described by Villamil model, suggesting interactions among species adsorbed on metal surface. The calculated adsorption and activation thermodynamic parameters demonstrate that inhibitor molecules adsorb onto aluminum surface and markedly hinder its dissolution in acidic medium. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations support experimental findings by demonstrating the molecule’s pronounced electron-donating and electron-accepting capabilities, which favor its interaction with the metal surface. Fukui function analysis further identifies N(17) and O(15) as the principal active sites involved in the adsorption process. Theoretical results are consistent with experimental observations, providing evidence of a strong interaction between BNH-NIP and aluminum surface. These findings confirm the effective corrosion inhibition performance of BNH-NIP toward aluminum in acidic media. Overall, the combined experimental and theoretical results highlight BNH-NIP as a promising corrosion inhibitor for aluminum in acidic environments.

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