Sulfonated Polyaniline-Grafted Two-Dimensional Ti₃C₂-MXene (SPANI-MXene) Nanoplatform for Designing an Advanced Smart Self-Healable Coating System

MXene nanosheets (MXenes), a brand-new classification of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, are assumed to be highly functional components in anticorrosion polymeric systems. In general, MXenes possess many advantageous features that can be utilized to improve the polymeric matrices’ anticorrosion performance. In this work, zinc ions (Zn) were deposited on the sulfonated polyaniline (SPANI) that was polymerized on Ti 3 C 2 -MXene surfaces (MXP-Zn) in order to achieve a high-performance anticorrosion nanofiller for epoxy coating (EP-MXP-Zn). Field-emission scanning electron microscopy–transmission electron microscopy images, Fourier transform infrared, Raman, X-ray diffraction, UV–vis, derivative thermogravimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis have evidenced the successful characterization of the MXP-Zn nanocomposite. Likewise, the excellent barrier properties of SPANI, in conjunction with the cathodic protection of Zn, resulted in a novel nanocomposite that could mitigate the negative consequences of destructive ions’ attack on the metal surface in an aggressive media. Quantitative and qualitative anticorrosion measurements verified the outstanding anticorrosion performance of EP-MXP-Zn over time in severe conditions. According to the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy assessments, the | Z 0.01 Hz | value for EP-MXP-Zn was 10 10.04 Ω cm 2, which was over 10 5 times greater than that of neat EP (10 4.66 Ω cm 2 ) over a 6-week period of immersion in a 3.5 wt % NaCl solution.