Prof Ambrish Singh (R), Nagaland University with Prof. Yujie Qiang, National Center for Materials Service Safety, University of Science & Technology Beijing.
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 19 (MExN): An international research team led by Nagaland University (NU), in collaboration with the University of Science and Technology Beijing, has demonstrated that carbon quantum dots derived from discarded apple leaves can provide long-lasting, eco-friendly protection against metal corrosion, a major challenge for global infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
The study reports that the biomass-derived carbon quantum dots can suppress copper corrosion in acidic environments with an inhibition efficiency of 94.0 per cent at low concentrations, improving to 96.2 per cent over longer exposure periods. The researchers said such performance levels are considered highly promising for real-world industrial applications where metals are routinely exposed to harsh chemical conditions. The work highlights a sustainable alternative to conventional corrosion inhibitors, many of which are toxic and environmentally harmful.
The collaborative research was led by Prof. Ambrish Singh of Nagaland University and Prof. Yujie Qiang of the University of Science and Technology Beijing. The findings have been published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Alloys and Compounds, which focuses on research related to the synthesis, structure, properties and applications of metallic alloys and advanced compounds.
Congratulating the research team, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, said, “I am proud that a Nagaland University–led international research team has demonstrated how apple-leaf waste can be transformed into an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor with up to 96.2% protection for copper. This Indo–China collaboration exemplifies our commitment to sustainable, high-impact science that addresses real-world challenges while reducing reliance on toxic chemicals. Such innovations reinforce Nagaland University’s role in advancing green technologies for infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.”
Beyond industrial applications, the study also underscores the potential of waste-to-wealth approaches. By converting agricultural residue into high-value functional nanomaterials, the research supports circular economy models and offers possible additional income avenues for farming communities.
Elaborating on the applications of the research, Prof. Ambrish Singh, Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University, who is also a Visiting Professor at the National University of Science and Technology Beijing, said, “The end applications of this research span several critical sectors. In industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation and wastewater treatment, acidic environments accelerate corrosion, driving up maintenance costs and safety risks. Biomass-derived inhibitors like apple-leaf ACDs could significantly extend the service life of pipelines, storage tanks and industrial equipment while reducing environmental and health hazards associated with conventional chemicals.”
Prof. Yujie Qiang of the National Center for Materials Service Safety, University of Science and Technology Beijing, explained the scientific process behind the findings. “Using a green hydrothermal process, our research team converted apple leaves, an abundant agricultural waste, into nanoscale carbon particles doped with sulfur and nitrogen. These elements create multiple active sites that strongly adhere to metal surfaces. Electrochemical tests confirmed that the ACDs form a compact, stable protective film on copper, effectively blocking corrosive ion transfer. Advanced theoretical modelling further revealed that specific nitrogen-containing groups play a key role in anchoring the protective layer to the metal surface,” Qiang said.
While the current results are based on laboratory-scale validation, the researchers said they plan to move toward pilot-scale testing and real-world deployment, including possible integration with existing protective coating systems.
The collaboration places Nagaland University among institutions contributing to advances in sustainable corrosion science and highlights the role of international partnerships in addressing global materials challenges through environmentally responsible innovation.
