POSS-tetraaniline based giant molecule: Synthesis, self-assembly, and active corrosion protection of epoxy-based organic coatings

A giant molecule containing hydrophobic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and protonic acid-doped tetraaniline (ATA) was designed and synthesized via isocyanate-amine reactions. This flower-like filler exhibits redox activity and high specific capacitance (280 F g(-1)), making it feasible for corrosion protective applications. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, local electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and salt spray tests were performed to evaluate the effect of POSS-ATA on the corrosion inhibition performance of the coating. This giant molecule expands the scope of conducing polymers for the active corrosion inhibition of metallic substrates and provides a platform for studying the mull-responsive self-assembly behaviour of conducing polymers.