Two-dimensional nanomaterials for anticorrosion systems of steel: A review

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials offer transformative potential for steel corrosion protection, yet comprehensive understanding of their application mechanisms across different protective systems remains lacking. This review critically evaluates representative 2D nanomaterials, including graphene and its derivatives, MXene, hexagonal boron nitride, layered double hydroxides, zirconium phosphate, and MoS 2 , in steel corrosion protection applications following an analytical framework of structure, synthesis, performance, and mechanism. Their applications in organic coatings, inorganic protective systems, and organic-inorganic composite/intelligent systems are systematically analyzed. By integrating density functional theory and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the multiple synergistic anticorrosion mechanisms, including physical barrier, filling effect, chemical corrosion inhibition, ion exchange, self-healing, and cathodic protection, are systematically identified and compared. Quantitative evidence demonstrates that optimized 2D nanofillers can reduce corrosion current density ( i corr ) by 3–4 orders of magnitude and elevate low-frequency impedance modulus (|Z| 0.01Hz ) to levels exceeding 10 9 Ω cm 2 . Despite these advances, barriers regarding high preparation costs, dispersion instability, and insufficient long-term evaluation hinder commercialization. Future efforts should therefore focus on scalable green synthesis, standardizing testing protocols, and developing intelligent multifunctional coatings. • Integrated analysis framework from material synthesis to mechanistic understanding. • Comprehensive review of 2D nanomaterials for steel corrosion protection systems. • Integration of DFT and MD simulations for multiscale mechanistic elucidation. • Prospects for intelligent design, green manufacturing, and durability assessment.