Synthesis of multilayered pH-responsive nanocapsules by using tolyltriazole as corrosion inhibitor and ZrO2 nanoparticles as core

Abstract Smart multilayered pH-sensitive nanocapsules were successfully fabricated using a Layer by Layer (LbL) process. The obtained products were characterized using FESEM, TEM, EDS and elemental mapping, zeta-potential, FTIR, TGA, SIMS and the Tafel polarization techniques. A 55% enhancement in ZrO2 particle size was detected in FESEM and TEM images with a corona view after the LbL process. EDS and elemental mapping analysis and measurements of zeta potential indicated the well-defined layered deposition. FTIR showed the electrostatic bonding between tolyltriazole (TTA) molecules and different overlapping layers. The thermal analysis and SIMS confirmed that 2.7% TTA loaded in nanocapsules. Tafel polarization results showed successful surface protection due to self-releasing of TTA from nanocapsules at high and low pH solutions.