Prof Ambrish Singh (R), Nagaland University with Prof. Yujie Qiang, National Center for Materials Service Safety, University of Science & Technology Beijing.
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 19 (MExN): An worldwide research crew led by Nagaland University (NU), in collaboration with the University of Science and Technology Beijing, has demonstrated that carbon quantum dots derived from discarded apple leaves can present long-lasting, eco-friendly safety towards metallic corrosion, a serious problem for world infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
The examine reviews that the biomass-derived carbon quantum dots can suppress copper corrosion in acidic environments with an inhibition effectivity of 94.0 per cent at low concentrations, bettering to 96.2 per cent over longer publicity intervals. The researchers stated such efficiency ranges are thought-about extremely promising for real-world industrial functions the place metals are routinely uncovered to harsh chemical circumstances. The work highlights a sustainable different to typical corrosion inhibitors, a lot of that are poisonous and environmentally dangerous.
The collaborative research was led by Prof. Ambrish Singh of Nagaland University and Prof. Yujie Qiang of the University of Science and Technology Beijing. The findings have been revealed within the peer-reviewed Journal of Alloys and Compounds, which focuses on research associated to the synthesis, construction, properties and functions of metallic alloys and superior compounds.
Congratulating the research crew, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, stated, “I am proud that a Nagaland University–led international research team has demonstrated how apple-leaf waste can be transformed into an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor with up to 96.2% protection for copper. This Indo–China collaboration exemplifies our commitment to sustainable, high-impact science that addresses real-world challenges while reducing reliance on toxic chemicals. Such innovations reinforce Nagaland University’s role in advancing green technologies for infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.”

Beyond industrial functions, the examine additionally underscores the potential of waste-to-wealth approaches. By changing agricultural residue into high-value useful nanomaterials, the research helps round financial system fashions and presents doable extra earnings avenues for farming communities.
Elaborating on the functions of the research, Prof. Ambrish Singh, Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University, who can also be a Visiting Professor on the National University of Science and Technology Beijing, stated, “The end applications of this research span several critical sectors. In industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation and wastewater treatment, acidic environments accelerate corrosion, driving up maintenance costs and safety risks. Biomass-derived inhibitors like apple-leaf ACDs could significantly extend the service life of pipelines, storage tanks and industrial equipment while reducing environmental and health hazards associated with conventional chemicals.”
Prof. Yujie Qiang of the National Center for Materials Service Safety, University of Science and Technology Beijing, defined the scientific course of behind the findings. “Using a green hydrothermal process, our research team converted apple leaves, an abundant agricultural waste, into nanoscale carbon particles doped with sulfur and nitrogen. These elements create multiple active sites that strongly adhere to metal surfaces. Electrochemical tests confirmed that the ACDs form a compact, stable protective film on copper, effectively blocking corrosive ion transfer. Advanced theoretical modelling further revealed that specific nitrogen-containing groups play a key role in anchoring the protective layer to the metal surface,” Qiang stated.
While the present outcomes are based mostly on laboratory-scale validation, the researchers stated they plan to transfer towards pilot-scale testing and real-world deployment, together with doable integration with current protecting coating programs.
The collaboration locations Nagaland University amongst establishments contributing to advances in sustainable corrosion science and highlights the function of worldwide partnerships in addressing world supplies challenges by means of environmentally accountable innovation.