Polystyrene-Functionalized N-Heterocyclic Carbenes as Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Abstract
The corrosion of infrastructure costs Canadians billions of dollars annually and can be combatted using anti-corrosion coatings. This thesis describes the synthesis and surface deposition of polystyrenyl N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) for use in metal protection, as well as the effects of cross-linking on film performance. Chapter two outlines the syntheses of styrenyl NHC precursors, and NHC-Au complexes to demonstrate their utility as ligands. Chapter three examines methods towards NHC deposition, and film formation is confirmed using surface analysis techniques. After immersion deposition and on-surface polymerization on gold substrates, NHC films show partial passivation of the metal surface. The electrodeposition of NHCs involves a simultaneous deposition and polymerization process, and the resulting polymeric films exhibit excellent protection properties. Electrochemical studies show improved passivation and charge transfer resistance of the cross-linked film compared to the linear polymer, which together demonstrate the increased corrosion resistance of cross-linked poly(NHC) coatings.