Carbon steel corrosion monitoring: Why opting for an electroanalytical approach

Corrosion of carbon steel is a critical area of interdisciplinary research, bridging materials science, chemistry, physics, and engineering disciplines. Traditional corrosion monitoring techniques, while practical, often lack the precision and real-time data acquisition capabilities required for effective corrosion management. In contrast, electroanalytical approaches, such as Voltammetry, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Electrochemical Noise analysis, offer the possibility to achieve superior sensitivity, precision, and detailed insights into corrosion mechanisms, with analysis that can be directly performed on-site. This review explores the pivotal role of these methods in advancing the in-situ monitoring of corrosion processes of this material. Additionally, it discusses the application of these techniques to study the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors and of protective coatings in enhancing corrosion resistance. Many applicative examples are here discussed to highlight how these methods should be applied in the industrial field, aligning with sustainable development goals and enhancing the safety and durability of infrastructure worldwide. This work is intended to serve as a valuable resource for corrosion scientists and other professionals in related fields, offering a perspective on the intersection of surface science and corrosion studies.