Chengjie Shi, Gaofei Wei, Shuduan Deng, Xianghong Li
To combat corrosion-induced degradation in critical industrial equipment, a sustainable and eco-efficient strategy adhering to green chemistry principles was developed. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction was employed to convert invasive Erigeron canadensis into a high-performance steel corrosion inhibitor ( Erigeron canadensis extract, ECE). The inhibition performance and mechanisms in 1.0 M HCl were systematically investigated using weight loss, electrochemical tests, and surface analysis. ECE exhibits outstanding inhibition performance with a maximum efficiency of 93.5 %. As a mixed-type inhibitor suppressing both cathodic and anodic reactions, heteroatoms and heterocyclic moieties in ECE spontaneously adsorb onto steel surfaces through combined physisorption and chemisorption, forming dense protective barriers that effectively block aggressive species. This green and efficient strategy emphasizes the potential of transforming Erigeron canadensis into an environmentally friendly inhibitor, providing practical industrial protection, enriching ecological management strategies for invasive plants, and offering a sustainable alternative to conventional toxic inhibitors.