New methods for tailoring alloy surfaces to accept chemisorption of protective and funtionalized organic layers

The degradation of metallic materials is a challenge that imposes enormous economic, environmental, and societal costs. N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), metallophilic ligands, have been proposed as layers to protect metal surfaces.

It is a new approach to overcome the fundamental issue of weak bonds between hydrophilic organic coatings and hydrophobic inorganic materials.

In recent studies, NHCs have been reported to simultaneously coat metals and chemically remove their surface oxides, form strong covalent bonds with the fresh surface, and reduce re-oxidation. However, these reactions are not well understood or controlled.

Furthermore, this approach has not yet been successfully applied to more abundant metals and industrial alloys, which have more complex and inert surface oxides.This project will characterize and engineer the topmost layer of metal alloys to optimize the adhesion of these organic molecules, and then test their use for protection of the alloys in harsh environments.

The intricate surface reactions between NHCs and metals will be studied using recently developed electron spectroscopy techniques, including in-situ synchrotron measurements. Surface treatments for alloys will be developed to expand the use of NHC to a wider range of metallic substrates.

This three-year interdisciplinary project will involve work at three universities in Canada and Sweden, and incorporate collaborations with organic and theoretical chemists to deepen the scientific understanding.