Excellent superhydrophobic surface and anti-corrosion performance by nanostructure of discotic columnar liquid crystals

Highlights: • First studies regarding corrosion protection using DCLCs. • DCLCs can form supra-hydropobic surface automatically ∼∼143.9°. • DCLCs has high resistance ability 186.7 k $\Omega$/cm². - Abstract: A series of high and low symmetry hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene derivatives, compounds 1–3, was successfully synthesized and applied for corrosion resistance on iron surfaces. In particular, compound 1 exhibited excellent anti-corrosion behavior, as demonstrated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and contact angle (CA) measurements. A high resistance of 186.7 kΩ/cm² and excellent hydrophobicity (CA ∼143.9°) with brine solution were obtained. The discotic columnar liquid crystals (DCLCs) coating on the iron surface provide protection under various environments, including exposure to air and solutions with different pH values. This characteristic is attributed to the excellent hydrophobicity and self-healing properties of discotic columnar liquid crystals.