A critical review on advanced surface analysis techniques used for studying the adsorption mechanisms of organic corrosion inhibitors

Corrosion inhibition of metals in aggressive environments remains a key challenge. Organic inhibitors, especially those with nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atoms, are widely studied for their strong adsorption and protective film formation. This review summarizes the classification and adsorption mechanisms of organic inhibitors, followed by recent advances in surface analysis techniques such as AFM, STM, XPS, ToF-SIMS, and Raman spectroscopy, which offer molecular-level insights into inhibitor–metal interactions. Despite progress, challenges remain in capturing dynamic interfacial processes under realistic conditions. Future perspectives highlight the integration of experimental techniques with computational modeling and the development of in-situ platforms for improved inhibitor design.