Manipulating graphene oxide nanocontainer with benzimidazole and cerium ions: Application in epoxy-based nanocomposite for active corrosion protection

•Graphene oxide (GO) was non-covalently modified with Ce, benzimidazole (BI) and a complex of Ce-BI.•GO nanosheets were used as a nanocontainer with intelligent corrosion inhibitor release ability in epoxy coating.•Epoxy coating with GO nanocontainer showed enhanced barrier properties and active corrosion protection.•Synergism of Ce and BI adsorbed on GO affected coating self-healing function. Trivalent cerium ions and benzimidazole were loaded on graphene oxide with the aim of construction of a nanocontainer with intelligent inhibitor release ability. The constructed nanocontainer was added to an epoxy/polyamide coating for improving the film barrier properties and active corrosion protection. The EIS test results on the intact epoxy revealed the effectiveness of the modified nanosheets, particularly those modified by cerium and benzimidazole, in the film protection capacity improvement. The release ability and synergistic impact of the two inhibitors on the epoxy coating self-healing function was realized through surface analysis and EIS assessment of the intentionally scratched films.