Advances in magnetic surfactants for corrosion control

Magnetic surfactants (MagSurfs), an emerging class of smart amphiphilic materials, have garnered significant attention due to their unique responsiveness to external magnetic fields and their multifunctional capabilities. This work comprehensively explores the design, chemical modification, and synthesis strategies employed to tailor magnetic surfactants for specific applications. Emphasis is placed on their application in corrosion inhibition, where their magnetic responsiveness can be leveraged to enhance inhibitor performance, target delivery, and surface adsorption behaviour. A detailed literature survey highlights key advancements, experimental studies, and comparative analyses with conventional surfactants. Finally, the article outlines current challenges, including stability, scalability, and environmental impact, while presenting future opportunities for the integration of MagSurfs in smart corrosion management systems, particularly in harsh industrial environments.