Green chemistry solutions: Harnessing pharmaceuticals as environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors: A review

• M.A.I. Al-Hamid¹, S.B. Al-Baghdadi¹, T.S. Gaaz², A.A. Khadom³, E. Yousif⁴ and A. Alamiery^1,5

¹ Energy and Renewable Energies Technology Center, University of Technology, 10001 Baghdad, Iraq
² Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Techniques Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Technologies, Al-Mustaqbal University, 51015 Babylon, Iraq
³ Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Diyala, 32008 Diyala, Iraq
⁴ Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, 10001 Baghdad, Iraq
⁵ Department of Chemical & Process Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, 43000 Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract: In recent years, the quest for environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors has led to the exploration of pharmaceutical compounds as promising alternatives. This mini-review explores the potential of harnessing pharmaceuticals for corrosion inhibition purposes within the framework of green chemistry principles. Highlighting the sustainable aspects of utilizing pharmaceuticals, this article discusses their inhibitive mechanisms, effectiveness, and compatibility with various corrosion protection strategies. Additionally, the environmental impact and biodegradability of pharmaceutical-based inhibitors are scrutinized. By integrating pharmaceutical compounds into corrosion inhibition strategies, this research aims to contribute to the development of eco-friendly solutions for metal protection in diverse industrial applications. Corrosion, a widespread electrochemical process, poses significant challenges across various industries, including infrastructure, manufacturing, and healthcare. Conventional corrosion inhibitors often contain toxic or environmentally harmful compounds, necessitating the search for safer and more sustainable alternatives. Pharmaceutical compounds, with their diverse chemical structures and inherent biocompatibility, present a promising avenue for corrosion inhibition. This review explores the mechanisms by which pharmaceutical compounds interact with metal surfaces to inhibit corrosion, including adsorption-based mechanisms and film-forming processes. Furthermore, the inhibitive performance of pharmaceutical inhibitors is evaluated through experimental and theoretical studies, comparing their effectiveness with conventional inhibitors. In addition to their corrosion inhibition properties, pharmaceutical compounds offer advantages in terms of biodegradability and low environmental impact. By examining the environmental footprint of pharmaceutical-based inhibitors and their compatibility with green chemistry principles, this review assesses their potential for promoting sustainability in corrosion protection practices. Moreover, the integration of pharmaceutical inhibitors into coatings, inhibitors, and other corrosion protection strategies is discussed, highlighting their versatility and effectiveness in diverse applications. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research efforts, the utilization of pharmaceutical compounds as corrosion inhibitors holds promise for addressing corrosion challenges while minimizing environmental impact. This review aims to provide researchers and industry professionals with valuable insights into the role of pharmaceuticals in sustainable corrosion protection and to guide future research directions in this evolving field.

Keywords: green chemistry, pharmaceuticals, corrosion inhibitors, environmentally friendly, metal protection

Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2024, 13, no. 2, 630-670
doi: 10.17675/2305-6894-2024-13-2-1

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