Nagaland University Research Turns Apple-Leaf Waste into Green Corrosion Protection Technology
LUMAMI, NAGALAND : In a significant breakthrough for sustainable materials science, an international research team led by Nagaland University, in collaboration with the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), has successfully transformed discarded apple leaves into a highly effective, eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for metals.
The Indo–China collaborative study demonstrates that biomass-derived carbon quantum dots developed from apple-leaf waste can provide up to 96.2 per cent protection against copper corrosion, offering a green alternative to conventional corrosion inhibitors that are often toxic and environmentally harmful.
High-Performance Green Corrosion Shield
The research team developed apple-leaf carbon quantum dots (ACDs) using a green hydrothermal process. Laboratory tests revealed that these ACDs can suppress copper corrosion in acidic environments with an inhibition efficiency of 94.0 per cent at low concentrations, which increases to 96.2 per cent with prolonged exposure—a performance level considered highly promising for industrial applications.
The study was jointly led by Prof. Ambrish Singh, Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University, and Prof. Yujie Qiang from the University of Science and Technology Beijing.
Prestigious International Publication
The findings have been published in the internationally reputed Journal of Alloys and Compounds, a leading peer-reviewed journal focusing on advanced materials and alloy science.
University Leadership Commends the Research
Congratulating the research team, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, stated:
“This Nagaland University–led international collaboration demonstrates how agricultural waste can be converted into an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor offering up to 96.2% protection for copper. Such innovations strengthen our commitment to sustainable, high-impact research while reducing dependence on toxic industrial chemicals.”
Supporting Circular Economy and Waste-to-Wealth Models
Beyond its industrial relevance, the study highlights the waste-to-wealth potential of agricultural residues. By converting apple leaves into high-value nanomaterials, the research supports circular economy principles and could open new income opportunities for farming communities.
Wide-Ranging Industrial Applications
Explaining the practical implications, Prof. Ambrish Singh noted that industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, and wastewater treatment routinely face severe corrosion challenges due to acidic environments.
“Biomass-derived inhibitors like apple-leaf ACDs can significantly extend the lifespan of pipelines, storage tanks, and industrial equipment, while reducing environmental and health risks,” he said.
Scientific Validation and Future Roadmap
According to Prof. Yujie Qiang, the carbon quantum dots are doped with nitrogen and sulfur, creating multiple active sites that strongly bind to metal surfaces. Electrochemical tests confirmed that the ACDs form a stable, compact protective film on copper, effectively blocking corrosive ions. Advanced theoretical modelling further identified nitrogen-containing groups as critical to this protective mechanism.
While the current research has been validated at the laboratory scale, the team plans to move toward pilot-scale testing and real-world industrial deployment, including integration with existing protective coatings.
Global Impact Through Sustainable Innovation
This international collaboration places Nagaland University at the forefront of green corrosion science and highlights the role of cross-border academic partnerships in addressing global industrial challenges through environmentally responsible innovation.
