Ce-oxide quantum dots decorated graphene oxide (CeO-QDs-GO) nano-platforms synthesis and application in epoxy matrix for efficient anti-corrosion ability

Abstract In this endeavor, ultra-fine Ce oxide QDs were synthesized via an in-situ approach which itself was divided into two methods exploited to synthesize QDs on the GO nanosheets. Afterward, the obtained product was loaded into the Epoxy (EP) structure and finally applied on the surface. The results affirmed the presence of Ce oxide QDs and the quantum confinement effect in both samples. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of different functional groups such as C C and C H. UV–Vis outcome showed the interaction of GO nanosheets and CeO2 QDs. The morphology of the surface, QDs distribution on the GO nanosheets, shape, and particle sizes were explored using FESEM and HR-TEM. Lastly, the corrosion suppression of different coatings—pure EP, GO-only-containing EP, or EP loaded with quantum-dots-deposited GO synthesized by two methods—were compared and discussed in detail with the help of EIS and salt spray methods. The result showed that, in the scratched samples, the maximum Rct of 45,080 ohm.cm2 was reached when the QDs-modified GO, attaining via the first method, was employed. The overall result denoted the superior performance of the QDs-modified GO nanosheets embedded in the EP coating—most specifically the one synthesized with the first method.