Two novel Schiff bases derived from 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole as corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel pipelines during acidizing treatment of oil wells: Laboratory and theoretical studies

ABSTRACT

Two novel Schiff bases derivatives of 1 H–1,2,4-triazole-3-yl)imino (L1 and L2) were synthesized and investigated as corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel in 1 M HCl solution. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of L1 and L2 was inspected by gravimetric measurements, electrochemical method, and quantum chemical calculations. L1 and L2 inhibitory efficiency is related to the test’s concentration. The created compounds were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. The corrosion inhibition property of the synthesized Schiff base on carbon steel, the main component of pipelines used in oil and gas fields, in 1 M HCl medium was investigated using weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). From the loss-weight data it was found the inhibition rises by the grown inhibitor concentration, which at 1 mM of L1 and L2, receiving a record level in η_w of 92.3% and 93.9%, respectively. The prepared Schiff bases act as good mixed-type corrosion inhibitors, according to potentiodynamic polarization experiments. Both inhibitors’ adsorption on CS surfaces followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with both physisorption and chemisorption. The impact of the molecular structure of the synthesized Schiff bases was examined using the density-functional theory (DFT) method and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Acid Corrosion
• Adsorption
• Carbon steel
• Schiff base
• DFT calculation
• MD simulations

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Deanship of Scientific Research, Taif University for participating in funding this work, and the Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI) for their support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Eslam A. Mohamed

Eslam A. Mohamed is a researcher of Applied Physical chemistry at the Petroleum Application Department, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI). I received my master’s degree in organic chemistry from Zagazig University and my Ph.D. degree in organic chemistry from Ain Shams University. My research principally deals with catalysis preparation and its application in biofuel production.

Amal A. Altalhi

Amal A. Altalhi is an Assoc. Prof. of physical chemistry, in the Chemistry Department, Al-Taif University, Faculty of Science, Al-Taif, KSA. She received her master’s degree and a Ph.D. degree in physical chemistry from Hull University, UK. Her research principally deals with applied physical chemistry.

Abdelrahman Amer

Abdelrahman Amer is a chemist at Oyoun Moussa station, Ministry of Electricity and Energy. He received his master’s degree in inorganic chemistry from Zagazig University and a Ph.D. degree in inorganic chemistry from Ain Shams University. His research principally deals with water treatment technology and the Chemistry of Corrosion & Protection.

Nabel A. Negm

Nabel A. Negm is Prof Applied Petrochemicals, Petrochemicals Department, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute. He received his master’s degree in organic chemistry from Cairo University and a Ph.D. degree in organic chemistry from Cairo University. His research principally deals with catalysis preparation and its application in biofuel production.

Eman A.M. Azmy

Eman A.M. Azmy is a lecturer of Science, at the Chemistry Department, College for Women, Ain Shams University, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt. She received her master’s degree and a Ph.D. degree in organic chemistry from College for Women, Ain Shams University. Her research principally deals with heterocyclic organic synthesis.

Ahmed A. Farag

Ahmed A. Farag is an Associate Professor of Applied Physical chemistry at the Petroleum Application Department, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI). His research principally deals with Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry of Corrosion & Protection, Corrosion Inhibitors, Conducting polymers, Anodization, Anti-corrosive coatings, Graphene, and Carbon nanotubes.