Chapter 7: Gold and Gold Oxide as Corrosion Inhibitors

It is well-known that organic and inorganic corrosion inhibitors are widely preferred in the prevention of corrosion of metal surfaces. In the selection of inhibitor molecules, it should also be ensured that they are economical, non-toxic and environmentally-friendly. Organic molecules are chemical systems including atoms like carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen in the rings and chains of their structures. On the other hand, inorganic compounds can be defined as the chemical compounds that do not include a carbon–hydrogen bond in their structures. Heterocyclic organic molecules including conjugated π bonds and hetero atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur are quite effective against the corrosion of metal surfaces. In this chapter, details regarding the use of gold and gold oxide in corrosion inhibitors are explained. Studies published in the literature relating to this are effectively presented.