An international team of researchers, led by Nagaland University, highlighted the promise of lanthanide salts—a class of rare-earth compounds—as the next generation of eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors. Their findings, published in Coordination Chemistry Reviews, point to broad industrial applications in oil and gas, marine engineering, automotive manufacturing, and renewable energy infrastructure.
Addressing an Urgent Industrial Challenge
Corrosion inhibitors are chemicals designed to slow or prevent the degradation of metals caused by exposure to air, water, chemicals, or other environmental factors. Industrial sectors such as oil and gas face persistent challenges from electrochemical degradation, which can cause material deterioration, loss of mechanical properties, safety risks, environmental hazards, and major financial losses. The research underscores that inorganic salts, particularly lanthanide-based ones, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional inhibitors such as chromates, molybdates, and nitrites—many of which are toxic.
Why Lanthanide Salts Stand Out
The study reveals that lanthanide salts:
*Form protective surface oxides and hydroxides that block corrosive species.
*Inhibit both anodic and cathodic reactions, slowing the corrosion process.
*Provide low toxicity, strong metal adhesion, and stability in harsh environments.
*Are effective in both solution and coating applications.
These attributes make them strong candidates for green corrosion inhibition, with potential integration into advanced characterisation, AI-based prediction models, and computational design for optimised performance.
Research Scope and Collaboration
The review was conducted by eight PhD scholars from the Corrosion and Electrochemistry Research Group (CERG) in Nagaland University’s Department of Chemistry, under the mentorship of Prof. Ambrish Singh. Prof. Singh, also a visiting professor at Al-Farabi National Kazakh University, Kazakhstan, collaborated with international experts including Dr. Chandrabhan Verma and Dr. Akram Alfantazi of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, UAE, to provide broader industrial insights.
Voices from the Leadership
Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, said, “With industries worldwide under pressure to replace toxic substances with sustainable solutions, this research offers a strategic pathway for safe, effective, and environmentally responsible corrosion protection. The findings meet urgent industrial needs while reinforcing Nagaland University’s role in producing research with global impact.”
Prof. Ambrish Singh added, “Our work integrates detailed studies on the chemistry, mechanisms, and protective properties of lanthanide salts, alongside critical assessments of their performance and limitations. Unlike toxic chromates or heavy metal-based inhibitors, lanthanide salts provide a balance of low toxicity, durability, and strong adhesion in aggressive conditions.”
Paving the Way for Green Industrial Transformation
As reported by eastmojo.com, the landmark review positions lanthanide salts as viable contenders in the shift towards sustainable corrosion control. By replacing hazardous chemicals with rare-earth compounds, industries can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring structural integrity and operational safety.
