Nagaland University Leads Breakthrough in Eco-Friendly Corrosion Protection with Rare-Earth Lanthanide Salts

Kohima: In a major scientific breakthrough with global industrial implications, an international research team led by Nagaland University has identified lanthanide salts — rare-earth compounds — as a next-generation, eco-friendly alternative to toxic corrosion inhibitors.

The findings, published in Coordination Chemistry Reviews, one of the world’s highest-ranked scientific journals (Impact Factor 23.5), open the door for sustainable corrosion protection in industries ranging from oil and gas to marine engineering, automotive manufacturing, and renewable energy infrastructure.

Corrosion inhibitors, vital for preventing the degradation of metals, have traditionally relied on hazardous substances such as chromates, molybdates, and nitrites. The Nagaland University-led research shows that lanthanide salts offer comparable — and in some cases superior — protection, while being low in toxicity, highly stable, and compatible with modern materials.

“Our research charts a strategic pathway for industries to transition to safe, sustainable corrosion protection,” said Prof. Ambrish Singh, Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University, and lead author of the study. “Lanthanide salts adhere strongly to metal surfaces, perform well in aggressive environments, and have the potential for integration into smart coatings and self-healing materials.”

The project involved eight Ph.D. scholars from Nagaland University’s Corrosion and Electrochemistry Research Group (CERG) and was strengthened by international collaboration with experts from Khalifa University of Science and Technology, UAE.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik hailed the work as “a significant leap for sustainable materials science in India” and expressed confidence that the discovery will help industries meet urgent environmental and economic needs.

Key highlights of the research:

• Incorporating lanthanide salts into polymers, graphene composites, sol-gels, and smart coatings for long-term protection in harsh environments.
• Using computational modelling and advanced characterisation to refine performance.
• Addressing challenges in formulation, cost, and scalability for mass industrial adoption.

With corrosion causing billions in global losses annually, this discovery positions Nagaland University at the forefront of green industrial innovation — offering industries a scientifically validated route to phase out hazardous corrosion inhibitors and embrace sustainable technologies.