Graphene has attracted considerable attention as anti-corrosion material due to its peculiar two-dimensional nanostructure and superior physicochemical properties. Graphene nanosheets can be independently or concertedly applied as the barriers against metal corrosion in the form of thin films, layered structures, or composites. Numerous attempts have been made to establish the correlation between the nanoscale structure and macroscale performance of graphene. In that regard, experimental and computational methods, such as quantum chemistry and molecular simulation, allow one to gain insight into the anti-corrosion mechanisms of graphene-related coatings. This review summarizes up-to-date knowledge about pure graphene and graphene-based composite coatings, including cathodic protection and self-healing coatings. Particular attention is paid to the structure–property relationship and anti-corrosion mechanisms in these systems. Finally, the shared and distinct role of graphene in various coatings and their prospects for future research are discussed as well.

石墨烯由于其独特的二维纳米结构和优异的物理化学性能而作为防腐材料引起了广泛的关注。石墨烯纳米片可以以薄膜，层状结构或复合材料的形式独立或协同地用作抗金属腐蚀的屏障。已经进行了许多尝试来建立石墨烯的纳米级结构和宏观性能之间的相关性。在这方面，诸如量子化学和分子模拟之类的实验和计算方法使人们能够深入了解石墨烯相关涂层的防腐蚀机理。这篇综述总结了有关纯石墨烯和基于石墨烯的复合涂料的最新知识，包括阴极保护和自修复涂料。在这些系统中，应特别注意结构与属性之间的关系以及防腐蚀机制。最后，还讨论了石墨烯在各种涂料中的独特作用及其在未来研究中的前景。