1, 10-phenanthroimidazole derivatives as efficient corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in 1 M HCl: synthesis, gravimetric, electrochemical and theoretical investigation

6•1, 10-phenanthroimidazole derivatives are synthesized for corrosion prevention.6•Both IPB and DIPB are mixed-type inhibitors.6•Data from gravimetric and electrochemical experiments are strongly comparable.6•Both IPB and DIPB exist on MS surface via physical and chemical adsorption.6•Evidences reveal that IPB and DIPB are potential and high-efficiency inhibitors.