Zirconium ions integrated in 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP) as a metalorganic-like complex coating on biodegradable magnesium for corrosion control

•A metal-organic complex coating was constructed on Mg for corrosion control.•Zr ions were integrated into organic HEDP coating by alternating dip coating.•The complex coating showed enhanced quality of closely-packed and firmly-anchored.•The coating endowed Mg with slower corrosion and suppressed in-vitro degradation.•Effectual corrosion control stems from the nature and improved quality of coating.