In situ host–guest nanofusion strategy: Crafting smart containers of TiO2 nanoflowers for corrosion reinforcement of epoxy coatings

Based on the in-situ host–guest nanofusion strategy, smart nanocontainers of titanium dioxide nanoflowers (TDN) hosts loaded with benzotriazole (BTA) guests were synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal method. They were also successfully introduced into epoxy matrix to develop anti-corrosion coatings with long-lasting inhibition and passivation. Result of the electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) designed TDN-BTA epoxy coatings displayed higher charge transfer resistance (1.22 × 1010 O cm 2 ) after immersion for 30 days. Meanwhile, the coating was intact and rust-free after 55 days of immersion in a neutral salt spray environment, attributed to the host–guest synergistic nanocontainers, which is attributed to the synergistic host–guest nanocontainer high loading of corrosion inhibitors and its excellent long-term responsiveness to pH changes.