(Journal of Materials and Environmental Science, 2022) Bankole-Ojo Olufunso Samuel; Oyedeji Folashade Olatunbosun; Raju K.V.S.N.; Ramanuj N.
In this study, novel carbon quantum dots (cqds) has been synthesized through the thermal decomposition of the aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera fruit pulp. Silane functionalized carbon quantum dots (Scqds) were prepared through the attachment of silane derivatives from tridecafluorooctyltriethoxysilane to the surface of the cqds. Results obtained from FTIR spectroscopy, DLS and TGA studies reveal that silane compounds adhered to the cqds to give Scqds. Silane modification of the cqds changed the wettability from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity from contact angle measurements. WPU/cqds and WPU/Scqds showed excellent thermal stability from TGA and DTA and exhibited hydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity respectively. Steel substrates coated with WPU/Scqds exhibited superior anti-corrosion properties when compared with steel substrates coated with WPU/cqds. Less than 5% corroded area was obtained for steel substrates coated with WPU/Scqds 0.2% and WPU/Scqds 0.25% after 96 hours when subjected to salt spray test. The intrinsic hydrophobicity of WPU/Scqds appear beneficial to inhibit the permeation of corrosive medium and consequently slow down the corrosion rate.