Corrosion of metals is a persistent challenge in industrial, construction, marine, and energy applications, leading to significant economic losses, safety hazards, and environmental contamination. Conventional chemical inhibitors, although widely used, often involve toxic compounds, poor biodegradability, and high production costs, limiting their sustainability. Biogenic nano-inhibitors, derived from plants, microbes, and renewable biomaterials, have emerged as promising eco-friendly alternatives. Their nanoscale properties enhance adsorption, surface coverage, and barrier formation on metal surfaces, resulting in superior corrosion protection. This review critically evaluates recent research on the synthesis, characterization, and performance of biogenic nano-inhibitors. Factors influencing efficiency, such as nanoparticle size, shape, surface functional groups, and bioactive components, are discussed alongside adsorption mechanisms and electrochemical behavior. Challenges in scalability, reproducibility, long-term stability, and industrial integration are highlighted. Future perspectives, including hybrid composites, computational and AI-assisted design, pilot-scale testing, and life-cycle assessment, are explored. Overall, biogenic nano-inhibitors provide a sustainable and high-performance approach to corrosion mitigation, aligning with green chemistry principles and industrial needs.
Musa Husaini (Sun,) studied this question.