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 conducting polymers for the active corrosion inhibition of metallic substrates and provides a platform for studying the multi-responsive self-assembly behaviour of conducting polymers.