Evaluation of a new class of inhibitors for high temperature CO2 corrosion

A common method for protecting carbon steel against material dissolution in aqueous CO2-containing environments (such as geothermal systems) is the continuous injection of corrosion inhibitors. These inhibitors function by adsorbing (physically or chemically) onto the steel surface, creating a barrier to electrochemically active/aggressive species. Towards higher temperatures, the functionality of many common inhibitors (such as imidazolines) is lost, as the chemistries undergo rapid hydrolysis and revert into their considerably less efficient precursors. Although the development of thermodynamically stable inhibitors is indeed possible, this typically comes at a price of increased toxicity and reduced bio-degradability. Due to the ever tightening legislation associated with chemistries used for industrial processes, the synthesis of new inhibitory molecules proves extremely challenging. Recent research has resulted in the synthesis of a new class of heterocyclic molecules which have increased thermal stability. This project will look at building upon the design, synthesis and evaluation/optimisation of this new class of inhibitory molecules. The project will explore new methodologies for the design and evaluation of inhibitory molecules using autoclave systems, with the intention of improving the understanding of the corrosion mechanisms of such chemistries.