Synthesis of bio-based nickel nanoparticles composite, characterization and corrosion in hibition in simulated oilfield microbial and acidizing environments

Aqueous extract of Citrus reticulata peels (CRE) mediated synthesis of nickel nanoparticles (CRE-NiNPs), characterization and application of the obtained composite as microbial and acid corrosion inhibitor is reported. The CRE-NiNPs were stable, non-agglomerated, monodispersed, round-shaped and of 40 − 55 nm size. With surfaces rich in O and N sites, CRE-NiNPs efficiently adsorbs on and inhibits X80 steel corrosion in I M HCl solution with efficiency of 87.3% and 80.6% at 30 and 60 °C, respectively. The nanoparticle also affords 3-log reduction in Desulfovibrio sp population and 73.2% inhibition efficiency at 3.21 mg/L minimum inhibitory concentration. Potentiation with D-tyrosine increases the efficiency to 79.7% and 5-log reduction in microbial population. Microbial corrosion inhibition is attributed to ease of penetration through bacteria cells to subdue their metabolic via physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms. Compared to the crude, CRE-NiNPs is more thermally stable, more efficient and affords better surface protection at high temperature.HighlightsCitrus reticulata peels extract (CRE) mediated nickel nanoparticles (CRE-Ni NPs) were synthesized and characterized.CRE-Ni NPs richer in N and O sites, more stable and efficiently inhibits corrosion at high temperatures than CRESmall size enhances high efficiency against Desulfovibrio sp with over 3-log population reductionAdsorption of CRE-Ni NPs is by combined physisorption and chemisorption enabled by C=C, C=O, C–O, O–H and N–H sites