Guwahati, Aug. 12 -- An international research team led by Nagaland University has identified lanthanide salts - a class of rare-earth compounds - as promising eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors, potentially replacing hazardous materials currently used in industries worldwide.

The study, published in Coordination Chemistry Reviews (impact factor 23.5), outlines how these salts can protect metals insectors such asoil and gas, marine engineering, automotive manufacturing, and renewable energy infrastructure. Corrosion, caused by the gradual degradation of metals, costs industries billions each year and poses serious safety and environmental risks.

Unlike toxic inhibitors such as chromates and heavy metals, lanthanide salts offer low toxici...