Multifunctional 2D materials for corrosion resistance: Graphene, MXenes and next generation emerging nanostructures

Abstract

Corrosion remains a significant challenge across various industries, leading to structural degradation, financial losses, and safety concerns. This review explores the coordination chemistry and the concepts of 2D layered materials, particularly graphene, in enhancing corrosion resistance and delves into next-generation emerging nanostructures such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), MXenes, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The present review is focused on the corrosion inhibition mechanisms, scalability, environmental impact, and industrial feasibility. The review unveils that while graphene exhibits exceptional barrier properties, its long-term performance is hindered by defect-induced localized corrosion. TMDs demonstrate superior chemical stability and passivation effects, whereas MXenes provide high electrical conductivity and self-healing capabilities, making them promising candidates for active corrosion protection. Meanwhile, h-BN offers excellent thermal and chemical resistance, and MOFs introduce a novel approach to corrosion inhibition through controlled release mechanisms. However, oxidation susceptibility, production scalability, and long-term stability remain critical obstacles for industrial implementation. These findings highlight the need for further research into hybrid material systems, functionalization strategies, and eco-friendly synthesis methods to optimize the effectiveness of 2D materials in corrosion mitigation. By providing a comparative evaluation, this review contributes to the growing knowledge on the next-generation sustainable corrosion protection technologies and guides future material innovations in industrial corrosion control. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.