Excellent Superhydrophobic Surface and Anti-corrosion Performance by Nanostructure of Discotic Columnar Liquid Crystals

Yu-Chiao Liu, Wei-Jie Huang, Si-Hua Wu, Mei Lee, Jui-Ming Yeh, Hsiu-Hui Chen

Index: 10.1016/j.corsci.2018.03.044

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Abstract

A series of high and low symmetry hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene derivatives, compounds 1-3, was successfully synthesized and applied for corrosion resistance on iron surfaces. In particular, compound 1 exhibited excellent anti-corrosion behavior, as demonstrated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and contact angle (CA) measurements. A high resistance of 186.7 kΩ/cm2 and excellent hydrophobicity (CA ~143.9°) with brine solution were obtained. The discotic columnar liquid crystals (DCLCs) coating on the iron surface provide protection under various environments, including exposure to air and solutions with different pH values. This characteristic is attributed to the excellent hydrophobicity and self-healing properties of discotic columnar liquid crystals.