Supramolecular concepts and approaches in corrosion and biofouling prevention

Supramolecular chemistry is one of the exciting branches of chemistry where non-covalent interactions between molecules and the ensuing supramolecular structures have been studied for various applications. The present review provides a comprehensive outlook on the applications and potentials of supramolecular chemistry in corrosion and biofouling prevention. Reported works associating supramolecular chemistry with corrosion are systematically discussed under two sections: (i) surface coatings and (ii) corrosion inhibitors that include supramolecular polymers, host-guest inclusion compounds, organic-inorganic hybrid materials, and supramolecular structures of graphene, crown ethers, self-assembled monolayers, etc. Different strategies for making antifouling surfaces based on block copolymers/gel systems, host-guest systems, and metal-organic structures are briefed. Cyclodextrin and mesoporous silica-based host-guest systems are extensively discussed, as they are the most prominent materials of current research interest. Future potentials for developments are presented. The review is expected to be beneficial to enhance supramolecular chemistry-related research and development in corrosion and biofouling prevention.