Prof. Mahmoud Ferhat

University of Laghouat
Algeria

Abstract Title: Green Chemistry Approaches to Corrosion Inhibition: Plant Extracts as Sustainable Solutions

Biography:

Prof. Mahmoud Ferhat is a full professor at the University of Laghouat, Algeria, with over 30 years of academic and research experience in the field of inorganic materials chemistry and corrosion science. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and has contributed extensively to research on corrosion mechanisms, electrochemical methods, and the development of green corrosion inhibitors. Prof. Ferhat has supervised numerous master’s and doctoral theses, led national research projects, and published in reputable international journals. A frequent speaker at scientific conferences, he is a committed advocate of green chemistry and sustainable industrial practices.

Research Interest:

In the spirit of green chemistry, which promotes the design of products and processes that minimize environmental impact, the search for non-toxic, sustainable corrosion inhibitors has intensified in recent decades. Plant-based inhibitors, derived from renewable and biodegradable resources, embody the principles of green chemistry by offering a safer alternative to conventional, toxic chemical inhibitors. This presentation reviews the latest developments in the use of plant extracts as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for steel, particularly in acidic environments. Emphasis is placed on environmentally responsible synthesis, cost-effectiveness, and biodegradability. Modern characterization and evaluation techniques—such as mass loss analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization—are employed to validate their performance. The discussion explores the molecular-level mechanisms responsible for corrosion inhibition, with a focus on the adsorption behavior of organic molecules rich in π-electrons and polar functional groups. These interactions illustrate how natural compounds can effectively protect metal surfaces while adhering to the core tenets of green chemistry. Finally, the talk outlines the future direction of research in this multidisciplinary area, highlighting how corrosion science, green chemistry, and sustainable industrial practices can intersect to meet global challenges in clean energy and environmentally conscious manufacturing.

Key words: Green chemistry; Corrosion inhibitors; Plant-based; Sustainability; Adsorption